Dental Exams and Cleanings in Andover, MA

What Happens During a Typical Dental Check-Up and Cleaning?

A twice-yearly dental exam and cleaning helps to maintain oral health and identifies potential problems early. During a typical dental exam, you will see both the dentist as well as the hygienist. The dentist will perform a detailed checkup of your teeth, and the hygienist will clean your teeth and provide guidance on oral care and daily brushing and flossing.

Professional dental cleaning is done by using a range of hand-held instruments, including ultrasonic scalers. They help clean the teeth above as well as below the gum line. Polishing helps remove unsightly stains and discolorations on the teeth enamel.

Regular dental exams are necessary for several reasons:

  • They allow the dentist to check for problems that may or may not show any visible signs
  • The dentist will be able to spot early signs of tooth decay. Most tooth decay does not result in pain or sensitivity until more advanced stages
  • To detect other oral and dental problems and prevent them from developing further

While most patients manage well with twice-yearly visits to the dentist, some people may require more frequent check-ups. For example, those who experience more frequent instances of tooth pain, cavities, or gum disease may need to see their dentist more than twice a year.

The dentist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, jaws, and neck and ask questions about your current state of health and medications. They will also examine the results after the hygienist has cleaned, scaled, and polished your teeth.

X-Rays and Follow-Up Treatments at Andover Cosmetic Dental Group

The dentist may or may not suggest an x-ray based on your dental history and current oral health.

Based on your exam, the dentist may do any one of the following:

  • Refer to another dental specialist for further evaluation
  • Suggest restorative, preventive or cosmetic treatments
  • Recommend further diagnostic tests before suggesting the next best steps

Contact us in Andover today to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning appointment.

Our dentists in Andover, MA also welcome patients from the below nearby areas:

  • North Andover
  • Lawrence
  • Methuen
  • Tewksbury
  • North Reading
  • Middleton
  • Wilmington
  • Dracut
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