A dental exam is a comprehensive assessment of your oral condition, including your teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw joints, and more. It can identify hidden problems before they become serious health concerns. Regular exams also allow Dr. Meshkin to get to know you and develop a relationship with you over time.
At LALA Dental, during your routine cleanings and exams, our dental hygienist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque buildup from their surface using specialized tools to remove tartar from above and below the gum line. This helps prevent cavities and other oral health issues.
After the cleaning is completed, Dr. Meshkin will go over any areas of concern with you and recommend any action that needs to be taken to protect your smile.
Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance composed of bacteria, mucus, and food particles. It builds up on the surfaces of teeth and along the gum line.
The longer plaque is left on the teeth, the more harmful it becomes. As it hardens, it turns into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
During your dental cleaning, the hygienist will scrape away any buildup on the teeth before polishing them to remove stains and smoothen their surface.
Dental Exam
Dr. Meshkin will examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay and gum disease during your dental exam and also take X-rays if required. She will also examine your neck, face, and head to look for abnormalities or possible oral cancer signs.
After assessing your teeth and oral health, Dr. Meshkin will recommend treatments. These treatments may include teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, cavity fillings, and more.
What Happens During a Routine Exam and Cleaning?
First, our hygienist will clean your teeth to remove any accumulated plaque and calculus. Then, Dr. Meshkin will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to check for decay and other oral health issues. The dentist will also conduct an oral cancer screening and check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for abnormalities.
After these preventative procedures, we will provide personalized instructions on the best way to maintain and improve your oral hygiene at home. This typically includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, eating a healthy diet, and visiting our office every six months for routine cleanings and exams.
Regular cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining long-term oral health. For the best dental care tailored to your particular needs, visit LALA Dental at 895 Moraga Rd Suite 6, Lafayette, CA 94549, or call (925) 385-8858.
