Routine Checkups in Garner, NC
At Garner Dental Solutions, we believe that regular check-ups are essential to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. These visits allow us to detect and treat minor issues early—before they develop into more serious problems. They also give us the opportunity to professionally clean your teeth and check the overall health of your gums and mouth.
Quick, comfortable, and suitable for all ages, routine dental visits are a simple way to stay ahead of oral health concerns. Even if your teeth feel fine, regular check-ups and cleanings help prevent toothaches, gum disease, and more complex dental issues down the road.
Why Regular Dental Visits Matter
Regular bi-annual visit to the dentist helps in keeping the teeth and gums in good health. These examinations enable us to detect early signs of cavities, infections or gum disease —the earlier we treat, the less time-consuming and costly it is for you.
Professional cleanings are equally important. Plaque and tartar can easily build up in places that are hard to reach even if you brush and floss routinely. We use professional tools to clean away this buildup, thereby reducing the potential for tooth decay and gum disease.
What Happens if You Skip Dental Cleanings?
- Plaque buildup: Missing cleanings lets plaque harden into tartar, which brushing alone can’t remove.
- Gum issues: Tartar buildup can cause gum irritation, bleeding, and early gum disease symptoms.
- Higher cavity risk: Without regular cleanings, tooth decay can develop unnoticed until it causes pain or damage.
- Persistent bad breath: Bacteria trapped in plaque and tartar often lead to ongoing bad breath.
- Tooth loss: If gum disease goes untreated, it can eventually cause teeth to become loose or fall out.
- Expensive treatments: Skipping cleanings can lead to more serious and costly dental work down the line.
- Prevention matters: Regular dental cleanings keep your smile healthy, breath fresh, and help avoid costly dental problems.
Are There Different Types of Dental Cleanings?
Yes, dental cleanings vary depending on your oral health needs. The most common is a routine cleaning, or prophylaxis, intended for people with healthy gums. Typically done every six months, it removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
There are also more specialized cleanings for those showing signs of gum problems:
- Full Mouth Debridement: Used when there’s heavy plaque and tartar buildup. This cleaning clears the mouth so we can better examine your teeth and gums before any further treatment.
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning for early gum disease. It cleans beneath the gum line and smooths tooth roots to promote healing and prevent disease progression.
- Periodontal Maintenance: For patients with a history of gum disease, this cleaning is performed more frequently than regular cleanings to manage and prevent recurrence.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
During a routine teeth cleaning, our dental hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Next, your teeth are polished to eliminate surface stains, leaving your smile fresh and bright. If needed, we may apply fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and help prevent cavities.
We’ll also point out the areas where plaque tends to accumulate so you can focus on those spots when brushing and flossing at home. Our aim is to make it easier for you to maintain a clean and healthy smile. Additionally, we’ll examine your gums and check for any early signs of dental issues. If we notice anything concerning, we’ll discuss the best course of action to keep your oral health on track.
Each type of cleaning is tailored to provide the right level of care your mouth needs to stay healthy.