Cleanings & Prevention
A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.
Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.
Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
Cleaning and Prevention
Brushing and flossing are the keys to long-lasting oral health, right? Everybody knows how important those factors are in maintaining a healthy smile, but unfortunately, it’s not quite enough to decay and gum disease at bay.
Other than meticulous at-home care, the most essential aspect of oral healthcare is keeping up with routine visits to your dentist. Cleanings go a long way toward keeping your teeth clean and plaque-free, while the exams and x-rays can reveal potential issues that our dentist can address before they progress.
At Signature Dental Care of Murrieta, our team of compassionate oral healthcare professionals strive to give each patient a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.
The Cleaning
Cleanings are performed by our registered hygienists, and can give any smile a fresh, clean feeling. This portion of the visit generally consists of three distinct treatments performed in a single service.
Removal of calculus – Calculus, also known as tartar, is the hardened plaque that built up and becomes firmly attached to the surface of your teeth. This buildup can also form below the gum line, irritating the gums, and putting the patient at risk of periodontal disease.
Removal of plaque – Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that covers the surface of your teeth. Not only does plaque also represent a risk of gum disease, the acids in the bacteria is also what eats through our enamel, causing cavities and tooth decay.
Polishing – After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, a special polishing tool is used with an abrasive toothpaste. This removes any remaining debris from the teeth, as well as smooths out the surface of the enamel, making it more difficult for plaque and tartar to stick to.
The Exam
The exam, conducted by Dr. Minter, consists of a variety of test and check-ups that determine the overall health of your oral structure and the best course of action for treatment.
Digital x-rays – The first course of action is to take x-rays of your dentition. This allows Dr. Minter to determine if there is any decay, bone loss, or tumors present in the region. Furthermore, our digital x-ray produces the smallest amount of radiation possible and is more efficient than film-based systems.
Oral cancer screening – The face, neck, lips, gums, tongue, and throat are all carefully inspected for signs of cancer. Our office utilizes a hand-held wand called a Vizilite® to detect cancerous growths without the need to take a sample.
Gum disease & tooth decay evaluation – Depending on the results of the x-rays, Dr. Minter visually inspects the teeth and gums for signs of disease or decay. During this inspection, any existing restorations will be checked for integrity and stability.
Gentle Cleanings in Murrieta
Routine visits to your dentist’s office are of paramount importance to your oral health. Cleanings and exams are recommended every 6 months to ensure a healthy smile.
For patients in Murrieta, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your visit.