Routine Checkups, Cleanings and X-Rays
Regular routine checkups are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. They will also enable your dentist to catch any issue early and prevent potential problems arising in the future. It is recommended that you visit a dentist for a checkup at least every 6 months, unless advised otherwise.
Dental Routine Checkup
At your routine checkup, your dentist will be examining your mouth, carrying out any necessary dental cleaning and will take x-rays to get a full picture of your overall oral health. Routine checks can also highlight any other general health issues that can be referred to a doctor.
Dental Cleaning
Regular teeth cleaning is a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and keep your smile sparkling. There are four main types of teeth cleaning. Let’s explore them.
Prophylaxis Cleaning
If your mouth is generally healthy, then this type of cleaning will be used for maintenance. If you have a good and effective oral health routine between appointments, then this procedure will be performed to remove any plaque buildup and staining on the teeth.
Scaling and Root Planing
This is a slightly more in-depth procedure used to deep clean the gums around the gum line and around the supporting structures of the teeth. This is usually carried out when someone has gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Root planing is used to smooth out the surface of the root and remove any buildup of plaque and tartar that has formed. It may take a few visits before it is completed.
Gross Debridement
If someone hasn’t visited the dentist for a long time, there can be a substantial buildup of plaque and tartar that will need removing. Debridement is a deep cleaning of the gums and teeth. Not everyone will need this even if it’s been a while since you last saw a dentist.
Periodontal Maintenance
This is regular maintenance for anyone who has serious, ongoing oral problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The treatment is usually carried out over a specific time period or until there is improvement seen and any symptoms are under control and manageable.
Dental Exams and X-Rays
During your routine checkup, your dentist will check to see if your mouth is healthy and take x-rays. Dental x-rays are a great diagnostic tool for dentists. It enables them to see issues not visible to the naked eye. They are also great for prevention. Preventative dentistry — rather than reactive treatment — is always preferred. During your examination, your dentist will be looking at:
- The health of your gums. He or she will check for debris, inflammation and bleeding.
- Any decay, loose or broken teeth.
- The health of your tongue and other soft tissues such as your cheeks.
Open Nights and Weekends
Call or text us to make an appointment convenient for you. We also have an online contact form where you can request an appointment. We are open evenings and weekends to make our practice accessible to everyone.
Dental Care for the Entire Family
We are here to take care of your whole family. If you or someone you love needs an appointment, contact us today. We have private consultation areas and a play area with toys for children to keep them entertained. We want your visit to be as enjoyable as possible.
Most Insurances Accepted
Here at West Coast Dental, we want to make it easy and affordable to access your treatment. So, we accept most insurances including: HMO, PPO, Indemnity and government-sponsored dental insurance plans such as Denti-Cal. We also accept CareCredit and have payment options for all your needs.
We offer a variety of payment options to make your crown affordable. We also accept most dental insurance plans and have a dental discount program for patients without insurance. Call us at our toll-free number 888-329-8111 or make an appointment online here.
