Dental exams and cleanings are part of the routine dental visit. The American Dental Association recommends a dental checkup every 6 months, or more frequent if you are facing periodontal disease.
These routine visits allow for Dr. Singh to evaluate your oral health while getting a professional cleaning from our dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar that the toothbrush at home cannot remove. At this visit, we may also check for oral cancers and frequently take digital x-rays to allow the dentist to see what is below the gumline.
Dental Exams and Cleanings
What happens at my dental exam and cleaning?
When you visit iSmile Family Dentistry for a dental exam & cleaning, you will experience a relaxing and comfortable environment. Your dental hygienist will ask whether you have any issues or concerns, then clean your teeth to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that can cause decay or other problems.
One of the benefits of visiting your College Park dentist at least twice a year for exams & cleanings is that we can prevent problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, infections, and other oral health issues from developing and worsening. If we identify any dental or oral health concerns during your exam, we will make appropriate recommendations and discuss options with you to develop a treatment plan that supports optimal oral and dental health for a lifetime.
Why is professional cleaning necessary?
Even if you brush and floss regularly, a professional dental cleaning is still advised every six months. Toothbrushes can miss plaque, and when plaque hardens, it turns into tartar, which can only be removed during a professional cleaning at Dr. Singh’s office.
Furthermore, using specialized toothpastes and professional tools helps protect your teeth in ways that regular brushing and flossing cannot. Additionally, a cleaning at iSmile Family Dentistry can remove stains that dull your pearly whites, even if you are cavity-free. While good dental hygiene habits are essential for your oral health, they cannot replace regular, professional dental cleanings.
Dental X-Rays
Dental diagnostics would not be compete without proper dental imaging (x-rays) These images are vital in revealing problems that may not be visible during a regular exam. By using dental x-rays, we can accurately assess your dental condition and develop personalized treatment plans. We ensure a comfortable experience while utilizing the latest technology to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
During your routine oral examination, Dr. Singh will perform an essential oral cancer screening, including visual and physical examinations of your mouth, throat, and neck to identify abnormalities such as sores, lumps, or color changes. The dentist will use tools and advanced technologies, such as 3D scanners, to detect early signs for improved treatment outcomes.
This quick, painless process helps detect severe conditions early. Early detection of oral cancer vastly increases survival rates.
Oral Cancer Screening
What happens at my oral cancer screening?
Visual Inspection:
The dentist examines the oral cavity for red/white patches, sores, or other tissue changes.
Physical Exam (Palpation):
The dentist gently feels your tongue, throat, cheeks, and neck for lumps or irregularities.
Quick & Easy:
The process is fast, painless, and integrated into regular cleanings.
Why is an oral cancer screening important?
Early Detection:
Early detection of oral cancer greatly increases treatment success.
Overall Health:
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but tobacco/alcohol use increases risk.
Not a Diagnosis:
The dentist plays a vital role in the early detection of oral cancer and other diseases. Once the dentist detects an issue, a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis
Oral Cancer Screenings in College Park, MD
If you're looking for a dentist in the College Park, MD area who performs oral cancer screenings, book an appointment at iSmile Family Dentistry and have an oral cancer screening at your next visit.
