Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Shelby Township, MI
Prevent Oral Issues and Protect Your Smile
Brushing and flossing at home are essential to helping you avoid common dental concerns, such as cavities and periodontal disease. However, you or a loved one might develop hidden problems between your teeth or below your gumline that are difficult to see on your own.
That’s why the American Dental Association also recommends that patients of all ages schedule a checkup and cleaning every 6 months. Standard appointments help our team prevent oral issues and protect your smile. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from these routine visits and how they can help preserve your dental health!
Why Choose Smiles in Shelby for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Members of the American Dental Association
- Providers with 20+ Years of Combined Experience
- Welcome Patients of All Ages
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
You’re not alone if you feel tempted to skip your next checkup and cleaning because you don’t see any immediate concerns, like damaged enamel or swollen gums, when brushing or flossing. But common issues often start small and are easily missed. Then, they progressively worsen the longer they remain untreated, eventually requiring more complex and costly repair procedures.
Seeing our team regularly allows us to monitor your condition and address any issues before they become more problematic. Furthermore, these appointments are usually less expensive than restorative treatments, helping maintain both your grin and your budget.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Preventive visits typically include two components, with the checkup usually coming first. Before beginning your exam, our team will update your medical history and list any prescription medications to avoid doing anything that might interfere. Then, we visually examine your teeth, gums, and any existing dental work, like fillings or crowns, to verify that they’re still in good condition and are functioning properly.
We’ll also take X-rays to determine whether anything concerning has developed beneath the surface, scan your soft tissues for signs of oral cancer, and check your bite alignment to catch and address more serious concerns.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
After your exam is complete, our team will begin your professional cleaning. This involves using specialized instruments to carefully remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, reducing your risk of developing issues, such as cavities or gum disease.
We’ll also floss your teeth to clear away harmful bacteria, which also helps freshen your breath. We might also recommend topical fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel. Then we’ll polish your enamel to remove recent surface stains before sending you home with a sparkling-clean smile.