Dental Cleaning
Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good dental health. They help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other more serious dental issues.
A dental cleaning is a procedure that removes any buildup of plaque and tartar from the teeth. Our dentist uses special dental instruments to gently scrape away any buildup from the surface of the teeth.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Your cleaning will begin with a thorough evaluation of your oral health. You’ll discuss any dental issues you’re having, such as sensitivity or bleeding gums, so that our team can address them during your visit.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
It depends on the type of dental cleaning you need. Most dentists recommend getting a routine professional cleaning twice a year. Patients prone to periodontal disease or patients who already have gum disease will need to have cleanings performed more often.
How to Care for Your Mouth After Professional Dental Cleaning
After your dental cleaning, it’s important to continue practicing good oral hygiene at home. Brushing and flossing at home can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease. So, you should brush and floss twice every day.
X Rays
Dental X-rays are a common tool in preventative dentistry. They allow our dentist to see inside your teeth to detect dental problems at their earliest stages and plan a course of treatment to correct them.
Digital X-rays are a form of digital imaging that allows our dentist to take an image of the inside of your mouth, including your teeth, roots, jawbone, and other parts. These images can be saved digitally and transferred to a computer. They help our dentist easily analyze and diagnose any problems.
How Are Dental X-Rays Taken?
Digital X-rays are taken using a sensor that is placed in the mouth. This gives your dentist a clear picture of your teeth, bones, and soft tissues. Our dentist takes X-rays during a routine checkup to make sure that your teeth and the surrounding structures are healthy.
The X-rays are focused onto the sensor. The sensor is connected to a computer that processes the images. This generates an X-ray of your mouth. Our dentist can enlarge the image and look closely at the scan to detect any signs of decay, gum disease, or misalignment
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
X-rays have been a part of dentistry for decades. They are safe for both children and adults. Although dental X-rays are very safe, our dentist will use them only when necessary. If you are pregnant, let us know in advance.
Dental X-rays are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA limits the amount of radiation that can come from a single X-ray, and this limit is 5 millisieverts. For most dental X-rays, this amount of radiation is equivalent to about 20 minutes of flying in an airplane.
Exams
A dental exam is a routine checkup to ensure your teeth are healthy. The exam also gives your dentist a chance to catch potential oral health issues early, when treatment is typically simpler and more affordable.
During a dental exam, our dentist will visually inspect your mouth, teeth, gums, and cheeks. We will also perform an oral cancer screening and take X-rays if necessary.
What Happens During a Dental Exam?
During your dental exam, the dentist will first take the time to get to know you. They’ll ask many questions about your health history, habits, and concerns. Then, the dentist will perform a visual examination. The dentist will check for cavities, signs of gum disease, enamel wear, and more. The dentist will also use X-rays to examine the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures for any signs of trouble.
The dentist will use all of this information to create a treatment plan for you. They’ll talk to you about any issues they find, as well as any treatments they feel are necessary. Then, they’ll work with you to create a plan that works for you.
The dentist will also talk to you about your at-home dental care routine. They’ll show you how to brush and floss and give you tips for keeping your smile healthy.
At North Star Dental, we ensure we provide each of our patients with a positive and relaxing dental experience. If you’re ready to experience the best dental care, contact our dentist in Albuquerque, NM, at (505) 369-1881 or visit us at 9501 Paseo del Norte NE, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87122.