Dental Exams and Teeth Cleaning in Gainesville

We’re proud to offer comprehensive dental care, and we’re dedicated to patient satisfaction. Whether you’re here for a dental checkup or an advanced treatment option, we’ll make your time with us as comfortable as possible.

During your first dental exam, our dental care providers will examine your teeth and gums. This exam is useful in the detection of the following oral health issues:

• Teeth grinding
• Cavities (tooth decay)
• Gum disease
• Bone loss
• Oral cancer

As our clinic has grown, we’ve had the pleasure of creating long-term relationships with our patients. It would be an honor to welcome you to our dental practice. To schedule your dental exam in Gainesville, reach out to our team over the phone or online.

How Could Professional Dental Cleanings and Gum Treatments Help Me?

During a professional dental cleaning, specialized tools are used to remove plaque and tartar. When you eat and drink, you may notice a sticky film on your teeth. This is called plaque, and it’s a type of bacteria. Although it’s possible to remove plaque with daily brushing at home, most patients aren’t able to remove all of the plaque on their own.

If plaque builds up on your tooth surfaces, it will turn into tartar, a substance that breaks down tooth enamel. Your dental care provider will remove tartar for you during your professional cleaning. However, you should not try to remove tartar at home. Tartar is a very hard substance, and you could damage your teeth if you attempt to remove it.

When you have a significant amount of plaque and tartar on your teeth, you could notice symptoms of gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease, and it could make your gums swollen, red, and tender. Your gums may bleed when you brush and floss. If you have any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment for an oral health exam. Make sure to ask your dental care provider about gum disease treatment.

If you don’t receive treatment for gingivitis, you could develop periodontal disease, a more severe form of gum disease. This condition requires periodontal treatment, and you may be referred to a specialist. Your provider will explain the treatment options that are appropriate for your needs. He or she may recommend root planing, a treatment that removes tartar from areas below the gum line.

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or special mouthwashes to reduce gum inflammation. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, your care team might suggest pocket reduction, bone grafts, or other surgical treatments.

How Are Professional Dental Cleanings Performed?

When you have a professional cleaning, the first step is to remove plaque and tartar. Your dental hygienist will use hand tools or an ultrasonic device to sweep away all of the plaque and tartar from your tooth surfaces, the areas around your gum line and the places in between your teeth.

Next, your teeth will be brushed with a high-speed toothbrush. Your hygienist may floss the spaces between your teeth. He or she might use an air polisher to remove surface stains on your teeth.

What Can I Expect When I Receive Treatment for Bad Breath?

Halitosis (bad breath) is a dental health condition that affects more than 25% of American adults. Bad breath may be caused by cavities, improper oral hygiene, or the consumption of certain foods and drinks.

If you’ve been dealing with halitosis, our dental teams are here to assist you. We offer customized treatment plans, oral hygiene tips, and professional cleanings that can help you eliminate your symptoms.

When you visit us, we’ll talk with you about your medical history and any symptoms you’ve experienced. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums to check for oral health issues that could cause your symptoms. The dentist will talk with you about the results of your exam, and he or she will recommend the treatments that are best for your needs.

What Happens When I Have an Oral Cancer Screening During My Teeth Cleaning?

When you visit us for your dental checkup, we’ll perform an oral cancer screening. In the earliest stages of this condition, many patients do not report any symptoms. Therefore, screening tests are essential for early detection and treatment of this cancer.

Oral cancer screenings take approximately five minutes to perform, and they shouldn’t cause any pain. To begin your screening, the dentist will do a visual inspection of your tonsils, gums, tongue, lips, and cheek lining. You may need to move your jaw from side to side to help the dentist get the best view. This part of the exam is done to detect white patches, redness, and other potential concerns.

To complete the dental exam, the provider will feel parts of your neck, jaw, and face to see if you have any soreness or swelling. If you notice any discomfort, be sure to tell the dentist right away.

When our provider has completed the exam, he or she will talk with you about the findings. If any concerns were noted, you may be referred to a medical team for further tests.

For excellent dental care in Gainesville, make an appointment at our practice today. We’re available to take care of all of your dental needs, including preventative care, fillings, and much more. You can reach us over the phone and online. We look forward to meeting you at our clinic.