Cleanings and Exams
Marysville, WA
 Dental cleaning and exam appointments are so important to your oral health for a number of reasons. We look for current problems, potential problems, and use that time to educate our patients on tips and techniques for better oral health. Our team at Grove Street Family Dentistry hopes to create a working relationship that will benefit you now and for the extended future in caring for your teeth.
At least once, and for some patients twice a year, we hope to see you for preventive care. This appointment is broken into two main categories, a dental cleaning with our professional hygienist and then a thorough dental exam with Tania Tran, DMD.
Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning is a multi-step process that includes obtaining information about the health of your gums, assessing the levels of decay, removing any tartar or calculus and then polishing the teeth for a sparkling shine. Your cleaning appointment may include:
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Measure Gum Pockets: One of the first steps in your dental cleaning is to evaluate and measure the depth of your gum pockets. This is associated with gum disease and the level of development. Measurements between 1-3mm is within the healthy range, measurements above 4mm is an indication that infection is present. We will want to remove the source of the infection and induce a healing response. This may be done through scaling and root planing.
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Review Level of Decay and Tartar: We will want to review and assess the amount of plaque, tartar and calculus buildup that is present. There are steps we can take to assist patients who suffer from higher levels of buildup, we may offer to place dental sealants if the patient has deep nooks and crannies that plaque is likely to sit undisturbed by brushing.
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Remove Tartar and Calculus: Our hygienist will remove any tartar buildup. For most of our patients, we may do this using an ultrasonic scaler followed by hand scaling and then smoothing the roots by root planing.
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Polishing: Polishing your teeth removes most extrinsic stains, such as staining from foods and drinks. It will not remove intrinsic stains that can come from fluorosis or from medications that cause intrinsic stains. |
Dental Examinations
Your dental examination will be completed by Tania Tran, DMD. This is done to help us detect and then prevent health issues before they become more serious. Sticking with a consistent dental provider means that we can see changes as they occur, by comparing previous information to current information, we can catch changes, allowing us to better detect problems.
Dental examinations generally include the following steps:
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Digital X-Rays: Digital x-rays are a great tool to help us see hidden problems. We look for signs of infection, evaluate impacted teeth, and any other indications of possible problems.
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Gum Disease Screening: The health of your gums is vital to your oral health. Gum disease is a very common disorder that we hope to help our patients combat through regular preventive care.
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Decay Evaluation: Catching decay early can save you considerable pain and expense. We want to remove decay and help you keep your teeth healthy. We have tips, education and tools to help.
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Oral Cancer Screening: A quick painless checkup, looking for the signs of oral cancer can be vital to your overall health. We look for changes in tissue coloring and texture, while also looking for lumps, bumps and sores. Finding any of these symptoms just means we may want to recommend a closer look. |
Call us at (360) 659-3200 to schedule your cleaning with us!
FAQs
Why are regular dental cleanings and exams important?
Regular dental cleanings and exams help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they become more serious. At Grove Street Family Dentistry, these visits allow our dental team to monitor your oral health and keep your smile healthy.
How often should I schedule a dental cleaning and exam?
Most patients benefit from a cleaning and exam every six months, but some individuals may need more frequent visits based on their oral health needs. Our dental team will recommend a schedule that’s right for you.
What happens during a routine dental cleaning and exam?
A routine visit typically includes removing plaque and tartar, polishing your teeth, and a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. Our dentists may also check for signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health concerns.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
Dental cleanings are generally comfortable for most patients. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, our dental team at Grove Street Family Dentistry will take extra care to ensure your comfort throughout the appointment.
Can dental exams detect problems early?
Yes, dental exams are essential for detecting issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral health changes early on. Early detection allows our dental team to recommend timely treatment and help you avoid more complex procedures later.
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