How Do You Examine Smiles?

We agree with the American Dental Association, people of all ages benefit from routine exams every six months. During these visits, we examine the smiles of our Omaha, NE, patients, watching for signs and trouble and creating personalized treatment plans. In today’s blog, we’re going to explain how we use advanced technology to examine smiles!

Digital X-Ray Technology

To begin, we need to assess the current state of your oral health. In addition to a visual exam of your teeth and gums, we will also employ x-ray technology to peer beneath the gums, looking at the tooth roots and jaw structure. Instead of traditional x-rays, we will use a digital alternative. Not only does this use a fraction of the radiation, but the digital system doesn’t require images to be developed in chemicals, a lengthy process that is far from green. Fortunately, with digital x-rays we can view the images instantly chairside, so the dentist can walk you through the diagnostic process and obtain a more detailed picture of your oral health. We can also easily transfer these images to specialists if needed.

Checkups

During your checkup, we’ll look at the teeth for indicators of tooth decay or dental infection, as well as wear or friction that could point to TMJ disorder or teeth grinding. When we look at the gums, we watch for the signs of inflammation that could identify gingivitis or gum disease. We will also perform a screening for oral cancer. Once we identify these issues, we can recommend treatment or refer you to specialist to help you enjoy a healthier smile, correcting problems before they impact the stability of your smile.

The Dental Cleaning

No visit is complete without a dental cleaning. Simply put, we use a manual tool and an ultrasonic scaling device to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque is a bacterial byproduct, one that weakens tooth enamel and irritates gum tissue, boosting the risk of cavities and gum disease. By removing this buildup, we protect your smile’s health, and also reduce the severity of discoloration and improve breath freshness. Patients of all ages benefit from these visits. If you have any questions about our checkups and cleanings, or if you would like to schedule one for you or a member of your family, then contact our team today. We’re ready to work with you to help you enjoy optimal oral health for many years to come!

Ready for Your Preventive Visit?

If you need to have your teeth examined and cleaned, then please let our team know. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402) 330-2243. We also serve the residents of Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Millard, and all surrounding communities.