WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CHECK-UP
THOROUGH CLEANING
Our dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums and then remove any plague and tartar build up from both the surface of your teeth and in between your teeth. Once that is completed, our hygienist will polish your teeth with a gritty toothpaste followed by a professional flossing. The whole procedure can take between 30 to 60 minutes.
X-RAYS
Dental x-rays are an important part of determining and maintaining your dental health. Generally dental x-rays are taken once a year. There is a small amount of radiation emitted so you will be covered with a shielded apron for your optimal protection. The process only takes about 10 minutes.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
Our dentist after examining your x-rays and consulting with your hygienist and you, will thoroughly check your teeth and gums for any sign of decay or other dental concerns. If there are any suggested treatments, our dentist will go over every possible option and answer any of your questions. Normally an exam will take 20 to 30 minutes.
Dental cleanings and checkups are foundational to good oral health. Combined with routine home oral care, they keep your smile healthy and bright. Most patients are recommended to have at least two dental checkups and professional cleanings each year to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup and catch any dental issues before they can become worse. Downriver Smiles offers professional dental cleanings and checkups at our state-of-the-art dental clinic in western Spokane, WA.
Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice each day is essential for keeping your smile healthy. But regardless of how often or thorough you are with your home oral care, it is easy to miss areas. The back teeth, especially, can be difficult to clean properly. Plus, if teeth are misaligned or close together, it may be almost impossible to clean them adequately with simple brushing and flossing.
This is why a bi-annual professional cleaning by our hygienist at Downriver Smiles is so essential. We can see and reach areas that are difficult to clean in your own mouth and use professional-grade equipment to clear away every vestige of plaque and tartar buildup. This keeps your teeth and gums healthy, preventing other oral health problems.
Comprehensive Dental Exams
After your professional cleaning, Dr. Gaunt performs a comprehensive dental exam to discover any developing problems. He examines your teeth, gums and oral tissue for signs of infection, decay or damage. Minor cracks in teeth may not present with symptoms, but they can allow bacteria inside the tooth to do worse damage. Caught early and repaired, this can keep you from experiencing pain and needing more extensive oral care.
Dr. Gaunt also monitors the development of your adolescent child’s teeth to ensure they are growing and coming in properly. Some early interventions can even keep your child from needing braces later on. If your teen does need braces, straightening the teeth early is much easier than waiting until the adult years.
Any oral issue caught early can save you money and time, as preventive care is always much more affordable than more extensive procedures to correct problems. Plus, most preventive care, including routine exams and cleanings, are covered by your dental insurance.
Keep Your Teeth Clean & Healthy in Spokane
Has it been more than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning? Contact Downriver Smiles today, and schedule an appointment for you and your entire family. Our team has the advanced skills and tools to help keep your smiles bright and healthy for a lifetime. When you contact us, ask about help using your dental insurance coverage and other financing options.
