The American Dental Association recommends “regular dental visits” in order to maintain optimal oral health. Most dentists recommend twice-a-year visits that include a dental cleaning and exam.
Dr. Joon Baek and the dental team at Top Dental recommend biannual visits to ensure that dental problems are prevented or treated early. If you are looking for a dentist in McAllen, TX who can provide comprehensive dental care, please call our office at (956) 618-5811.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings and Exams
Simply put, dental cleanings and exams allow Dr. Baek to diagnose small dental problems before they become costly issues that require more invasive treatments. That old saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to dentistry as much as it does to other parts of life.
Most patients do not notice minor dental problems like small cavities or the early stages of gum disease. If your teeth show signs of wearing, for example, you may have bruxism or TMJ disorder, which affects the jawbone joints.
While as much as half of adults have some form of gum disease, the condition should be taken very seriously. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Patients who undergo dental cleanings and exams at our McAllen dental practice can benefit from:
- Reduction or elimination of bad breath
- A whiter smile
- Early treatment of cavities
- Long-term treatment cost savings
- Protection of natural tooth structure
- A short and convenient visit
Dental exams and cleanings are so important to oral health that most dental insurance policies cover most if not all of the cost of twice-a-year cleanings. If you have questions about insurance coverage or financing, please visit our website for more information.
What to Expect at Your Dental Exam and Cleaning
Dental cleanings and exams are often completed in under an hour, making them easy to schedule during the week or on the weekend. Dental cleanings remove hardened tartar that brushing alone cannot address. Most patients are familiar with plaque, the biofilm of bacteria and food particles that coat our teeth. Twice-a-day brushing helps to remove much of this plaque, but, inevitably, plaque will harden into tartar. Only professional cleanings can remove tartar from the surface of your teeth.
During your cleaning, Dr. Baek or a skilled member of our team will use a special metal tool to remove tartar from the surface of your teeth. Tartar can often turn yellow, brown, or even black in color, meaning that professional cleanings whiten your teeth in ways that brushing and flossing simply cannot. Once your cleaning is complete, a rotary tool will be used to polish the front of your teeth.
Your exam will be conducted by Dr. Baek. Exams are a great time for patients to describe any symptoms or dental problems they have experienced. This allows Dr. Baek to understand the unique oral health needs of his patients. Dental exams are conducted with a gloved hand and through the use of radiograph images. Dr. Baek will be searching for signs of gum disease and other dental problems. If any significant problems are found, they can be treated then or during a follow-up visit.
Save Time and Money By Scheduling Your Dental Exam Today
At Top Dental, we believe that prevention is preferable to treatment. Dental exams and cleanings are an integral oral health tool that allows patients to stay ahead of potential dental problems. You can schedule your next dental cleaning and exam by contacting our office online or calling (956) 618-5811.