Why Regular Dental Exams Are So Important

Do you have periodontal disease? Nearly half of all American adults over age 30 do. This extremely common disease causes inflammation, decay, and even tooth loss — but it’s just one of many reasons why regular dental exams are so important.

You should visit the dentist for a routine cleaning at least twice a year. Regular exams help keep your teeth clean, but they also give your dentist the opportunity to evaluate your oral health and identify anything that could compromise it.

If you have periodontal disease, treatment can prevent disease progression and even reverse some damage. At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, our dental team is proud to provide comprehensive dental services.

We regularly see patients of all ages for teeth cleaning and general dentistry, but we also offer periodontal disease treatment and laser gum therapy to fight all the most common oral health issues and keep your smile strong.

Regular exams keep teeth clean

Your regular exam includes a comprehensive dental cleaning. Our dental team uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup on teeth that can cause decay. If necessary, we’ll take X-rays of your teeth and jaws.

Professional cleanings are the only way to ensure all the plaque and tartar buildup are removed from teeth. Good oral hygiene habits are important, but it’s impossible to eliminate all the buildup with brushing and flossing alone.

We offer preventive treatments along with cleanings, including fluoride and dental sealants to help fight bacteria and avoid tooth decay after your exam. If you’re interested, we offer a suite of cosmetic dental services, including teeth whitening that’s done in the office.

Regular cleanings can significantly reduce your chances of having oral health issues, but if you do develop cavities or early-stage periodontal disease (gingivitis), routine exams give you the best chance at getting effective treatment.

Regular exams identify oral health issues early

Your dentist checks your mouth for signs of cavities, periodontal disease, and other issues as part of your regular dental exam. X-rays help our dentists check the internal health of teeth, and they may reveal issues that can’t be seen with a traditional exam.

If your teeth, gums, and mouth are healthy, we’ll schedule you for your next routine cleaning. But if other dental issues are identified, we work with you to create a treatment plan.

Dental problems like damage, decay, and periodontal disease are best treated if they’re identified early on. These problems don’t go away on their own, and if decay spreads, it can cause symptoms like tooth sensitivity, pain, and infection.

Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, which is mild gum inflammation. If you get treated when you have gingivitis, the condition can disappear and damage may be repaired. Gingivitis that advances to periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage and may require more advanced treatment to restore oral health.

We keep detailed records so we can track your oral health between appointments. Sometimes, small cavities may not require immediate treatment, but we may recommend fillings if they get larger over time.

Don’t skimp on your oral health care. Schedule your next routine dental cleaning at Center for Advanced Dentistry. Call our San Jose, California, office at 408-498-9082 or request an appointment online now.