Do you know what happens during a dental cleaning and examination? Most patients know the routine for a dental visit. However, patients who don’t quite know the ins and outs of an dental exam, Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX dentist, gives her patients a rundown of a typical visit.
Expect the Following During Your Check-Up
- Thorough inspection. Before the doctor begins the actual cleaning, she first conducts an inspection of your mouth. With a dental probe, she checks for any weaknesses (or soft spots) in your enamel. These soft spots often mean demineralization, which is the onset of tooth decay. In those instances, the dentist uses the DIAGNOdent laser to measure for decay from the inside of the tooth.
Additionally, your Dallas, TX dentist will also check for periodontal pockets (a depth of more than 3 mm could indicate gum disease) alongside an oral cancer screening. Should you not require any immediate treatment, Dr. Truong continues onto the cleaning. - Plaque and tartar removal. A sticky, film-like substance called plaque clings onto your teeth throughout the day. Plaque is teeming with bacteria that feed off the lingering sugars left behind by food. While plaque is water-soluble, tartar—the hardened version of plaque—is not. After the dentist performs the examination, a hygienist uses a specialized tool to remove the presence of plaque and tartar from your teeth. Proceeding this comes the remainder of the dental cleaning.
- Cleaning. The rest of the visit is simple. The hygienist cleans your teeth with electric toothbrush, of sorts, that removes many surface stains. Afterward, the receptionist schedules your next six-month visit to ensure your mouth stays healthy.
Visit Viva Dental for Bi-Annual Dental Examinations and Check-Ups
Part of maintaining a healthy mouth means going to the dentist for regular dental cleanings. With visits twice-a-year, Dr. Truong can detect oral illness and diseases before the damage becomes too severe. To schedule an appointment with our Dallas, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, and to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.