Checkups and Cleanings
Keeping Your Smile Healthy for a Lifetime
Even if you diligently maintain healthy oral habits at home, we recommend that you and your family come visit our office in Richmond twice a year for a dental checkup and cleaning. Why? Although this appointment may seem like a small step, it can have a huge impact on your oral health in both the short and long term. We believe that prevention provides the best protection for your smile. That’s why we offer these critical services to all our patients.
What happens during a dental checkup?
A dental checkup is usually a quick, painless process in which Dr. Way can make sure that you have no existing oral problems. He starts by visually inspecting each tooth, your gums, and the soft and hard tissues of your mouth for any sign of trouble, such as decay or gum disease. He also reviews the digital X-rays that we take of your mouth to make sure that areas between teeth and beneath the surface are in good shape as well. If he finds an issue, he can explain and show you what he sees with our intraoral cameras and recommend treatment that will quickly resolve it and get you back to good oral health.
Why is a regular dental checkup so important?
Oral problems can start and progress quickly, but they often are difficult to spot for the untrained eye. Your dental checkup gives Dr. Way a chance to examine your mouth and find these problems even if they are still early in development. If you wait to see us until you notice an issue on your own, you could experience severe pain or suffer significant damage and require more extensive treatment. Instead, we can detect it sooner while it is small and easy to address, sparing you from unnecessary pain and expense.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
After your dental checkup, one of our friendly, experienced hygienists removes the hardened plaque and tartar that has accumulated on your teeth, particularly in hard-to-clean areas like between your teeth. They also demonstrate the proper technique to use when flossing and can answer any questions you may have about oral hygiene. Then, they polish each tooth, removing surface stains and leaving your teeth feeling smooth and freshly cleaned.
Why is a regular dental cleaning so important?
In your daily brushing and flossing at home, it can be easy to miss some plaque now and then. Well, that plaque builds up and hardens over time, making it much more difficult to remove on your own. If left there, the bacteria in plaque have better access to your teeth and gums and can cause decay or gum disease. Our hygienists have the professional training and tools to address this buildup. By getting a dental cleaning with us twice a year, you can prevent problems before they even have a chance to start.
Schedule these appointments for everyone in your family with us at Westhampton Dentistry. Our dedicated, friendly team can make going to the dentist easy and comfortable. Contact us today!