Dental Exams Vs. Dental Cleanings: Understanding the Difference
Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining healthy and beautiful teeth. It's far more effective to prevent oral health issues before they occur than to address them later. Fortunately, preventing cavities, periodontal disease, and other common dental ailments is more straightforward than you might think. With routine dental exams and regular cleanings, you are on the right track to keeping your smile strong and radiant for life. Here's what you need to know about dental exams and cleanings, including their differences, before booking your next visit with Dr. Mikula.
What is a Dental Exam?
A dental exam is a preventive procedure performed by a dentist. During a dental exam, Dr. Mikula will check for issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early identification of these issues is crucial to prevent them from worsening and causing further dental complications.
Here's what typically happens during a routine dental exam at Dr. Mikula's office in Bay Village:
X-rays will be taken to examine what is occurring beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.
Dr. Mikula will inspect your teeth, gums, throat, and the soft tissues of your mouth for any signs of abnormalities.
If any dental issues are detected, a personalized treatment plan will be created to restore your dental health as quickly as possible.
Dr. Mikula will also recommend practices to help maintain the health of your teeth and gums until your next checkup.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is a preventive procedure typically performed by a dental hygienist. The main goal of a dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar that have built up on the surface of your teeth and to polish your teeth. Home brushing and flossing are great for removing food and bacteria from your teeth's crevices, but they can't remove everything. Over time, leftover food particles and bacteria can form plaque, a clear, sticky film. If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar, which can lead to more serious oral health issues like gum disease. This makes routine dental cleanings crucial.
During your dental cleaning at Dr. Mikula's office:
The dental hygienist will use special tools to scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line.
They will thoroughly floss between each of your teeth.
A fluoride solution will be applied to each tooth to protect them until your next visit.
Differences Between a Dental Exam and a Dental Cleaning
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both dental exams and cleanings should be done every six months. While these two preventive procedures are often performed during the same appointment, they serve distinct purposes. The exam involves Dr. Mikula assessing your teeth and recommending the best ways to restore or maintain their health. In contrast, the cleaning involves the dental hygienist removing plaque and debris from the surface of your teeth.
Schedule Your Dental Exam and Cleaning Today!
Maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile should be straightforward. At Dr. Mikula's practice in Bay Village, we show you how simple it is to prevent oral health issues before they start with regular dental exams and cleanings. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment and take the first step towards a lifetime of radiant smiles!
