Dental Exams & Cleanings in Northlake, IL
The foolproof way to safeguard your oral health is to prevent problems before they occur. Here at Smiles of Northlake, prevention is paramount. In that regard, we encourage our valued patients to book regular exams and cleanings to avoid common dental problems.
Exams and cleanings in Northlake, IL, are integral to preventive dentistry. Dr Mansi Mehta recommends ongoing preventive visits for patients of all ages, including babies, toddlers, teens, adults, and seniors. Ideally, you should book your exams and cleanings every six months or twice yearly.
Step-by-Step Process of Exams and Cleanings
Dental exams and cleanings near you supplement your at-home dental hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing are undeniably vital in keeping your teeth healthy. However, these two practices alone aren’t one hundred percent effective. Regular dental exams and cleanings provide an additional layer of assurance.
Here’s what happens during your dental exams and cleanings:
- Our dentist in Northlake, IL, discusses your dental health history and overall medical history with you. This step is crucial if you’re visiting for the first time.
- The dentist carefully evaluates your oral cavity to check for signs of concern, including ongoing cavities, abscesses, misaligned teeth, symptoms of sleep apnea, and teeth grinding, among others.
- If necessary, our dentist near you obtains your dental x-rays to obtain health insights hidden to the naked eye. Dental x-rays are usually required as part of your comprehensive dental exam, performed during your initial visit.
- If problems are detected, Dr Mansi Mehta recommends restorative measures to get your dental health back on track.
The second portion of your appointment involves thoroughly cleaning your teeth to eliminate cavity-causing plaque and tartar. For this process, the dental hygienist relies on a dental scaler, electric toothbrush, gritty toothpaste, and other hygiene tools. The dental hygienist may conclude your hygiene appointment by applying fluoride varnish to strengthen your teeth or sealants to protect your teeth against cavities.
Schedule Your Appointment
Are you ready to take charge of your oral well-being? Safeguarding your dental health protects your overall health too. To enjoy personalized dental exams and cleanings near you, please call Smiles of Northlake today.
FAQs
During a dental exam and cleaning, we evaluate your teeth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, and other concerns. A hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup, followed by polishing the teeth. This process helps keep your teeth clean and allows us to identify changes in your oral condition.
Patients are typically recommended to see a dentist twice a year for timely check-ups and cleanings. However, if you suffer from conditions like gum disease or have a history of recurrent cavities, we might suggest more frequent appointments tailored to your specific needs.
Regular dental cleanings get rid of plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated with brushing alone. This helps bring down the risk of cavities and gum disease while allowing us to monitor your oral health over time and address concerns before they progress.
A dental exam and cleaning usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The duration may differ depending on your oral health and whether additional evaluations, such as X-rays, are needed during the visit.
Dental cleanings are generally well tolerated. You may feel some pressure during plaque removal, and mild sensitivity afterward is possible, but it typically resolves within a short period.
The cost of dental exams and cleanings in Northlake, IL, can vary depending on the services provided and your insurance coverage. Preventive visits are often partially or fully covered, and an evaluation can clarify what is included in your care.
Yes, dental exams allow us to identify concerns such as cavities, gum disease, infections, and other changes in the mouth at an early stage. Early evaluation makes treatment more manageable and helps prevent progression.
Regular visits to a dental clinic support consistent oral hygiene, removal of buildup, and monitoring of your teeth and gums. This helps reduce the likelihood of more complex dental concerns developing over time.
