North San Antonio
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Have you ever heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” This rings true when it comes to your smile. Scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams may seem like a hassle, but it is crucial in preventing serious dental issues down the road. Not only do these routine visits help clean your teeth and gums thoroughly, but they also provide an opportunity for our Stone Oak dentists to detect any potential problems early on.
Dental Exams & Cleanings
Routine dental appointments are the cornerstone of good oral hygiene, and they are usually broken up into two parts:
- Dental Exam: At a dental exam, a dentist or hygienist will typically inspect your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth for any signs of decay, infection, or disease. This may involve the use of various tools, such as a mirror, a probe, or an X-ray machine, to get a closer look at the teeth and underlying structures.
- Dental Cleaning: During a dental cleaning, the hygienist will remove any buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth using specialized tools and techniques, such as scaling and polishing. This helps to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
After gathering information about your dental health and prescribing either a regular dental cleaning or dental deep cleaning, our dental team can provide personalized advice on how to best care for your smile.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Most oral health professionals suggest scheduling an oral cancer screening for patients over the age of 18 (and more often for those with a family history of cancer and those who smoke). During the screening, a healthcare provider examines the mouth and throat for any abnormalities, such as lesions or discolored tissue, that could potentially be early signs of oral cancer.
Generally, oral cancer screenings are quick, minimally invasive, and relatively painless. They can offer peace of mind as well as detect cancer in its earliest stages when it’s most manageable. Mark your calendar and make sure to schedule your annual oral cancer screening. It just might save your life.
Anti-Cavity Treatments
If you’ve ever had a cavity, you know just how frustrating and painful they can be. Luckily, there are some preventative measures you can take to keep your teeth cavity-free. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are both one-two punches against cavities and tooth decay.
- Dental Sealants: These thin coatings are placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They fill in the cracks and grooves where food particles and bacteria like to hide.
- Fluoride Treatments: On the other hand, fluoride treatments help strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to decay.
Together, dental sealants and fluoride treatments form a powerful defense against cavities and a healthy smile for years.
Remember to Book Bi-Annual Dental Cleanings & Exams
Taking control of your oral health now is the best way to ensure a better future. Generally speaking, it’s much easier to take care of issues now than further down the line. Having regular preventative check-ins with one of our dentists helps maintain overall well-being since poor oral health can affect other parts of the body, too. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule your next dental exam today.
