Dental Exams and Cleanings in Jackson, MI
After our dentists in Jackson, MI restore your teeth by filling cavities or placing dental crowns on cracked teeth, you can improve their health with better oral hygiene. Along with brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once, you should visit the dentists at Arbor Falls Dental and Wellness for exams and cleanings every six months.
What Happens During Dental Exams?
Once they call you back for your appointment, you are led to an x-ray machine to get images of your teeth. X-rays allow our dentists to see your teeth beneath your gums. They will scrutinize the images and look for damage like cracks, breaks, or decay.
After getting the images, you will go to the exam room and get comfortable in the dental chair. When one of our dentists near you enters the exam room, they will begin a visual inspection to see if there is decay, cracks, breaks, or other damage to your teeth. While doing this, they may ask questions about your medical or dental history.
The dentists employ various tools during exams and cleanings in Jackson, MI, like a mouth mirror to exam your molars and premolars. Sometimes they use an intraoral camera to provide light and better views of the back teeth. It also gives them a better glimpse of the throat.
Probing Teeth
A sickle or contra-angle probe is an instrument with a sharp hook on one end of it. Dentists often use it to detect cracks or breaks in enamel or probe pits in the teeth to check for decay. They also use them to scrape away plaque and tartar residue before cleaning your teeth.
If no damage is present, our dentists will quickly do a physical exam of your neck and the inside of your mouth. They are looking for lesions or lumps that could indicate signs of oral or throat cancer. They often use a light or camera to look at the throat as well.
Cleaning Teeth
The final step is to do a routine cleaning, which eliminates plaque and tartar on your teeth. If you haven’t been to a dentist in some time, call Arbor Falls Dental and Wellness to schedule your exams and cleanings near you to keep your smile healthy.
FAQs
Routine exams and cleanings help catch issues early, like cavities, gum disease, also oral cancer, when they’re easier to treat. They also remove plaque and tartar buildup to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
For most people, visiting every six months is recommended. If you have any gum disease, frequent cavities, or some other risk factors, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits.
During the visit, we inspect teeth and gums for signs of disease, clean plaque and tartar, polish teeth, and may take X-rays if needed. We also offer personalized advice on oral hygiene and preventive care.
Most cleanings are gentle and well-tolerated. If you have sensitive teeth or heavy tartar buildup, you may feel slight discomfort, but we take care to keep you as comfortable as possible and can adjust our approach if needed.
Yes — by removing buildup and bacteria that contribute to bad breath and gum inflammation, routine cleanings keep your mouth fresher and healthier over time.
