Dental Exams and Cleanings
Preventive Dentistry
Dental Exams and Cleanings
You should visit your dentist every six months for regular dental exams and cleanings. Here’s a look at what your dentist will do during these exams so you know what to expect.
What Happens During a Dental Exam?
At each dental exam visit, your dental health team will review your medical history and provide a full oral health check. The exam will consist of the following.
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X-rays: if you’re due for X-rays, your dentist or hygienist will take these important diagnostic images and review them with you. They are looking for signs of decay, cysts, tumors or bone loss. An X-ray also provides insight into your teeth’s root positions.
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Oral cancer screening: your dentist or hygienist will then check for any signs of oral cancer. This includes examining the tongue, gums, face, lips, neck, tissue and throat.
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Gum disease evaluation: we’ll also check your gums and bones surrounding your teeth for signs of gum disease.
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Checking for cavities: our team will check the surface of every tooth for signs of decay.
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Reviewing past restorations: your dentist or hygienist will also review existing restorations, such as crowns, fillings, etc.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
After the dental example, the hygienist will provide a professional dental cleaning. There are three main steps involved in these cleanings.
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Removing tartar: tartar is plaque that has remained on a tooth for quite some time. As time passes, the tartar hardens and attaches to the tooth surface, making it challenging to remove with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar can form both above and below your gum line, which requires special tools for removal.
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Plaque removal: plaque grows from your saliva mixing with bacteria and food debris. The film is nearly invisible but can cause inflammation in the gums if left on your teeth and gums. Plus, it can lead to periodontal disease.
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Polishing your teeth: the final stage of your dental cleaning is polishing your teeth. During this process, we remove any remaining plaque and stains to make your smile glisten!
"I have been a patient of Pascack Dental Arts for ten years. Having not just routine care but caps and four implants for which I am today happy, being able to eliminate the need of a denture. My experience with Pascack Dental Arts has been excellent!"
Robert Von Bargen
"Anyone who hates the Dentist should come here! Everyone is professional and excellent... Love, love, love them. NO PAIN!! I am a very difficult patient!!"
Heather Cozine
"I was indeed satisfied and delighted with my experience... I learned things I never knew in 50 years of having teeth! Thank you!"
Nancy Mapes
"A little over three years ago, my older daughter Carolyn, had a bicycle accident. One of her permanent front teeth was actually knocked out. We called the office and they told us to come in immediately. It was about 6 p.m. Everyone was concerned and helpful. Dr.Guller reinserted her tooth. Needless to say, we were very frequent visitors to this office. Everyone knew us and always asked how Carolyn was doing. With everyone’s long-term help, Carolyn’s teeth look great!
Our entire family comes to Pascack Dental Arts. It’s a great place for complete dental care."
Barbara Maskin
“Great visit! My hygienist was fantastic, very thorough and friendly. I look forward to my next visit.”
Tina Guarriello
