Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Flint, MI
Protect and Preserve
Your Beautiful Smile
It’s easy to think that your teeth and gums must be healthy if you don’t notice any immediate issues. Unfortunately, common problems like cavities and gum disease often start small and don’t show visible symptoms until they begin to progress. While a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine is essential to prevent these issues, it’s also vital to schedule regular checkups and cleanings. This allows our Healthy Smiles Dental Care team to protect and preserve your smile by catching areas of concern early on.
Continue reading to learn more about what’s included in routine appointments, and feel free to contact us for more information.
Why Choose Healthy Smiles Dental Care for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Dentist with 30+ Years of Experience
- Advanced Technology to Enhance Patient Comfort
- Insurance Accepted & Savings Plan Available
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
You might feel tempted to skip your standard visits when you believe your mouth has no active problems, but doing so can cost you down the road. Dental issues tend to start small and then grow worse the longer they go unaddressed. For example, a cavity can form between your teeth where you can’t see it. If you skip your checkup, it’ll go unnoticed and is more likely to become infected and require a root canal later.
Having your teeth professionally examined and cleaned allows our team to monitor your condition and act quickly as soon as we detect areas of concern, like weakening enamel or inflamed gums. Plus, preventative care is usually less costly than complex treatments to address the damage already done.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
It might vary slightly based on your unique circumstances, but typically a dental checkup includes:
- Medical History. We’ll update your medical history and list of prescriptions and supplements to ensure we don’t do anything that might interfere with your general well-being.
- We’ll visually analyze your teeth, gums, any existing dental work, and your bite alignment to ensure that everything is in good shape.
- Oral cancer screening. Because oral cancer can often be effectively treated if caught early enough, we include a tissue screening for it with every standard appointment.
- X-ray images. At least once annually, we take X-rays to ensure nothing develops below the surface.
- Treatment plans. If we find any problem areas, we’ll recommend possible solutions and walk you through the details so you can make an informed decision regarding your dental health.
- Q&A. If you have any questions or concerns, we’ll take the time to address them before you leave.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Once your general checkup is complete, we’ll wrap up your appointment by thoroughly cleansing your grin. First, our team will use special instruments to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth, between them, and along your gum line. Next, we’ll floss your teeth to remove bacteria that can penetrate or infect your gums. Together, these steps reduce the likelihood of cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.
Finally, we’ll polish your teeth with a special brush to remove any surface stains until your smile sparkles!