Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings – Plano, TX
Prevent the Small Issues From Becoming Big Ones
Patients often ask us why it’s important for them to come in for routine dental checkups and teeth cleanings in our Plano, TX dental office when they brush and floss regularly at home. There are hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your mouth that can’t be cleaned with a regular toothbrush. At Legacy Trails Dental of Plano, our team of professionals is focused on spotting and treating the small problems before they have a chance to cause you a big headache later on. We also recognize that a large factor that prevents patients from scheduling appointments is because they work during normal business hours when most dentists are open, that’s why we offer flexible appointment times and are open on Saturdays and Sundays!
What Can I Expect During My Dental Checkup?
During your dental checkup, one of our dental professionals will inspect your mouth in search of any oral health problems like cavities. If you haven’t visited us before, or you’re due for one, we’ll also take an X-ray to spot any problems that may be hidden to the naked eye at this time.
After checking for any plaque and tartar buildup, we’ll check your gum health and examine your mouth for any tell-tale signs of gum disease. The last part of your checkup will include a quick oral cancer screening where we’ll inspect your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck for any abnormalities.
What Can I Expect During My Teeth Cleaning?
We use specially crafted tools like a scaler and dental mirror to help us find and clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth of any accumulated plaque and tartar. While brushing and flossing can at home can help clean plaque off your teeth, it isn’t effective for clearing away tartar, which is why professional cleanings from your dentist in Plano are so vital.
A member from our team will use the scaler to remove plaque and tartar. Once your teeth are clean, we’ll polish them with a gritty prophylaxis paste that helps remove surface stains and leave you with fantastic-looking pearly whites. The final step of your cleaning will be a quick flossing, and then you’ll be on your way!
How Can Routine Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings Benefit My Oral Health?
People often put routine visits with us on the back burner because they’re not entirely sure how much checkups and cleanings will impact their mouth. Not to mention, when you continuously skip these visits, it allows the small problems that are easily treatable to turn into severe issues that require more invasive procedures.
We strive to prevent our patients from experiencing oral discomfort and hope to provide them with reliable and trustworthy care that helps preserve their time, money, and mouth. Be sure to schedule an appointment with us today so we can give you a clean bill of health and keep you from experiencing dental headaches down the road.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How Long Does a Dental Exam Take?
Regular dental exams usually include an evaluation of your teeth and soft tissues and an oral cancer screening, and they typically take ten to fifteen minutes. This process will allow one of the dentists at Legacy Trails Dental of Plano to inspect your mouth for signs of decay, infection, and bite misalignments, and we will also be sure to answer any questions you have and consider any concerns you bring to our attention. We’ll also monitor the state of any restorations like bridges, crowns, and dentures, so please bring any removable appliances you use with you.
How Long Does a Regular Cleaning Take?
A patient who does not exhibit signs of gum disease or tooth decay will probably only require a regular dental cleaning that takes about thirty minutes, but the process can take longer if the patient has oral infections or large accumulations of plaque and food debris that must be addressed. In especially severe cases, it may be necessary to schedule a patient for more extensive treatments like scaling and root planing. However, you can help ensure your cleaning takes as little time as possible by practicing excellent oral hygiene at home.
What Factors Can Lengthen My Regular Dental Appointment?
We usually schedule one to one-and-a-half hours for a patient’s exam and cleaning depending on whether they’re new to our office or not. Factors that can make your appointment take longer include oral health issues like cavities and gum disease, excessive accumulations of plaque and food debris, needing X-rays, and consultation for restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. We’ll also be sure to take some time to answer any questions you have about your oral health and hygiene practices.
Do Dental Hygienists Do Professional Teeth Cleanings?
Our dental hygienists may do patients’ routine dental cleanings and polish their teeth, and they are also qualified to take X-rays, perform fluoride treatments, place dental sealants, and conduct oral health assessments that include measuring the pockets of the gums and examining the teeth, lips, tongue, gums, and jaw joints. Our team members can also provide periodontal care and help educate our patients about how they can improve their oral hygiene regimens.
What Should I Do if I Need a Dental Cleaning but I’m Too Afraid to Go to the Dentist?
Some people forgo seeing their dentists for years due to anxiety or fear, and this can set them up for a host of painful oral health issues. That’s why we offer sedation dental services like nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. These methods can help an anxious patient relax and reduce their sensitivity to pain so they can enjoy comfortable and effective dental appointments. We’ll be happy to discuss your sedation options before your appointment if you contact our office.