Dental Checkups and Cleanings – Denton, TX
Commit to Scheduling Your Dental Checkup in Denton!
It’s the common belief among dentists and other medical professionals alike that preventive care is the best long-term strategy for avoiding serious disease and higher medical costs later in life. Basic appointments like dental checkups and cleanings for patients of all ages can mean the difference between keeping your smile healthy for life and experiencing a dental emergency. That’s why your dentist in Denton, Dr. Todd Balington, is very excited to help his community keep up with their oral health through routine appointments!
Dental Checkups
Routine checkups are a crucial part of maintaining your oral health because most serious dental problems cannot be caught on your own. Once common issues like cavities and gum disease start to cause pain, that means it’s too late to prevent their damage in the first place. It essentially means that the damage has already begun and far more difficult to treat. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can largely prevent these serious issues, catch the early signs and as a result make adjustments to your oral care routine as needed.
During the exam, Dr. Balington and his team of hygienists will look for tartar, a calcified form of plaque that typically appears in neglected areas of the mouth. They’ll also measure the pocket depth of your gums, which will help them determine if gum disease is either present or in its early stages.
Furthermore, having a thorough dental exam performed every six months is the most ideal way to catch other problems before they cause permanent damage. A great example of this includes chronic teeth grinding, which wears down enamel permanently and increases tooth sensitivity. Exams also help you catch early signs of oral cancer, which is far more treatable when found sooner rather than later.
Cleanings
There’s really no at-home cleaning routine that compares to what you can find at your dentist’s office. Not only will your dental cleaning be extremely thorough and comprehensive, but you’ll be able to remove substances that you can’t at home, such as tartar. The process of removing tartar is known as scaling and is performed during every cleaning as needed.
After loosening and irrigating tartar out of your mouth, Dr. Balington’s team will begin the polishing and flossing process. These work to remove stains on teeth and break down plaque from the areas often missed during at-home cleaning.
After your routine cleaning, Dr. Balington or one of his highly-trained hygienists will apply a fluoride varnish to further protect your teeth until your next visit. Fluoride is the active ingredient that prevents decay and remineralizes the surface of your teeth. This highly concentrated form is not something you can find for sale at a typical grocery store or pharmacy.
Ready to take your oral health to the next level? Commit to your dental checkup in Denton to keep you and your family’s smiles healthy for years to come. Contact us today to get started!
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
Dental exams usually involve your dentist examining your teeth and gums and checking your soft tissues for signs of oral cancer, and Dr. Balington can usually complete the process in ten to fifteen minutes. During the exam, he will be sure to check for signs of tooth decay and unusual enamel erosion while also taking the time to consider any concerns you bring to his attention. He’ll also evaluate the state of any existing dental work such as crowns, bridges, and dentures in case they need repairs or replacement, so be sure to bring any prosthetic appliances you use to our office in Denton.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
Patients who practice excellent oral hygiene and visit our office in Denton every six months for routine checkups will probably only need a regular dental cleaning that will usually take about thirty minutes. However, patients who have large accumulations of tartar may need more time to have their teeth cleaned, and those who require more intensive treatments like scaling and root planing may require additional appointments. It’s a great idea to thoroughly brush and floss before visiting our dental office if you wish to make your cleaning as brief as possible.
What factors can lengthen my regular dental appointment?
We’ll usually book a patient receiving a regular checkup and cleaning for an hour to an hour-and-a-half depending on whether they are a new patient or not. Your appointment may take longer if you need X-rays or our dentist detects any issues that require immediate treatment. The process may also last longer if you wish to discuss your candidacy for cosmetic treatments or prosthetic devices like dentures, bridges, or implants.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?
We often recommend fluoride after receiving a dental cleaning because it can reinforce the enamel, reduce dental sensitivity, and prevent cavities, which is especially important for patients who are more vulnerable to tooth decay. Applying fluoride usually only takes a moment and involves our dentist treating the teeth with gel or foam. However, it’s important to remember to refrain from eating or drinking anything but water for about an hour after receiving fluoride treatment.
What should I do if I need a dental cleaning but I’m too afraid to go to the dentist?
If you find it difficult to attend regular dental appointments due to fear or anxiety, we’ll be happy to help you find an appropriate solution that will make the process more comfortable. At Denton Dental Center, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, which is a safe and effective way to reduce discomfort and help the patient remain calm and still without any lingering side effects. You’ll also be able to drive yourself home after your appointment. When receiving nitrous oxide, you can expect to experience mild euphoria and diminished sensitivity to pain, and while some patients may feel dizzy or queasy after the treatment, these symptoms will quickly fade since the body will eliminate the gas from its system within several minutes.