Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing every day at home, it’s still vital for you to visit your dentist for semi-annual checkups and cleanings. With routine preventive dental care, our team aims to ward off the lingering threat of common oral health problems, like cavities and gum disease. We utilize specially-crafted instruments and technology to clean the hard-to-reach places of your mouth and spot any potential issues that you may not notice at home.

Why Are Checkups & Cleanings So Important?
At Blackwell Dentistry, we utilize state-of-the-art technology and techniques, including digital X-rays and oral cancer screenings, to find symptoms of serious problems that could impact your oral and overall wellbeing. During each of your checkups and cleanings, our team’s goal is to prevent plaque accumulation, detect any oral health issues early on, and spot signs of medical conditions that impact your mouth, such as diabetes and oral cancer. Without regular visits, you may be putting yourself at-risk of experiencing a dental emergency.

What Happens During Your Checkup?
When you visit us for your semi-annual appointment, we’ll conduct the checkup first. If it has been longer than a year since your last dental X-ray, we’ll be sure to capture images of your mouth. That way, we can spot any problems that may be developing below the surface of the gums, such as cysts or impacted teeth. We’ll also spend a few minutes palpitating your throat and examining your oral tissues for any signs of oral cancer. During the process, we keep an eye out for any abnormalities and red and white patches inside the mouth. If we spot any signs of cavities or gum disease, we’ll let you know and work to develop a treatment plan to tackle them before they have a chance to advance.

What Happens During Your Cleaning?
Once your checkup is complete, we’ll move onto the cleaning portion of your visit. One of our experienced dental hygienists will use a dental scaler and mirror to remove any plaque and tartar accumulation from the nooks and crannies of your smile. We’ll then polish your teeth with a gritty, stain-removing substance called prophylaxis paste. Finally, your hygienist will floss between each of your teeth to remove any lingering food debris.
Dental cleanings and checkups are a great way to stay on top of your oral health and prevent any problems from developing. Paired with great at-home oral hygiene, you’ll be able to preserve your natural smile and avoid trips to the emergency dentist!