Regular Cleanings and Exams
Regular cleanings are an integral part in maintaining your oral health. Together, you, your hygienist and Dr. Castor will determine how often is appropriate to schedule your exams, typically every 3-6 months. During exams we will:
- Answer and address any questions or concerns you have,
- Complete a thorough head and neck cancer exam,
- Inspect the health of your gums for any signs of gingivitis or periodontal (gum) disease,
- Evaluate your teeth for evidence of cavities or infection,
- Carefully clean your teeth, and
- Provide recommendations for improving or preserving the health of your teeth and gums.
X-Rays are an important part of any exam and cleaning to help detect potential areas of concern, and are generally taken every 1-2 years depending on the patient’s needs. Our cleanings typically take 1 hour; during this time, your hygienist will remove stains, plaque and calculus (tartar) from your teeth.
Periodontal Cleanings
Over 30% of the adult population has periodontal (gum) disease; please do not feel discouraged if you find yourself in this category. Periodontal disease can be easily treated and the health of your teeth and gums can be restored.
Periodontal cleanings are sometimes referred to as “deep cleanings” or “scaling” appointments. Specialized instruments are used by your hygienist to remove calculus (tartar) and to irrigate, or flush, bacteria that cause the disease away. These appointments may take up to 90 minutes, and may be split into multiple appointments to maximize your comfort. Often times, patients are “numbed” with local anesthetic in the area where the cleanings will take place.
Once these cleanings are complete, your hygienist and Dr. Castor will talk with you about ways to maintain your teeth and gums in the future.
Digital X-Rays
At Castor Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer digital x-rays to all of our patients. The main benefit of digital x-rays for our patients is that they use far less radiation than traditional x-rays. Other benefits include: ease of communication to patients and specialists, immediate access to the image, and they are safer to the environment.
In dentistry, a variety of x-ray types are used; some are taken on a routine basis to monitor for issues or concerns, while others are taken to determine the exact cause of a particular problem. Either way, Dr. Castor will ensure that the minimum number of necessary x-rays is taken for each patient. X-rays are often the best way to detect and treat problems before they cause you pain or discomfort.