A guide to dental exams and cleanings in Murrieta, CA
Almost 28% of California kindergarteners have untreated tooth decay, and 45% of middle-aged Californians have lost at least one permanent tooth due to dental decay or disease. These figures from the California Department of Public Health are sobering, but dental damage and tooth loss does not have to be a fact of life. Scola Family Dentistry understands that, just like maintenance on your car, routine care at the dentist’s office keeps your smile looking and functioning well for the long haul. Dental exams and cleanings in Murrieta, CA,at the office of Dr. Valerie Scola, allow you to get the most “mileage” out of your natural teeth by preventing the leading causes of tooth loss – dental decay and periodontal or gum disease.
The exam
Patients schedule an appointment at our office at least once every six months. These visits include a “check-up” and professional cleaning by one of our hygienists. During the evaluation part of the visit, we will ask about changes to your medical history. New illnesses and the medications used to treat them can present challenges to your oral health. For instance, dry mouth is associated with hundreds of prescription drugs. Dry mouth or xerostomia puts you at increased risk of developing tooth decay. Likewise, existing oral conditions, such as periodontal disease, are also associated with poor diabetes control.
Dr. Scola gently examines your teeth and gums for signs of conditions that require treatment. Often, gum disease is “silent” in its earliest stages. So, it is vital to have your mouth evaluated regularly. What she cannot see with visual inspection alone can be detected with sophisticated x-rays or radiographs. We use digital, panoramic imaging, and other diagnostic technologies to detect tumors, impacted teeth, and other “hidden” abnormalities clearly, precisely, safely, comfortably, and quickly.
The professional cleaning
During your appointment, one of our hygienists will use his or her specialized training and dental instruments to remove sticky dental plaque and hardened plaque or heavy tartar. Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth and gums. If it is not removed properly by brushing and flossing, the plaque builds up. Once plaque hardens, it sticks to the teeth and must be removed with professional tools and care. Tartar erodes at the teeth and inflames gum tissue. Our hygienists also measure the depth of the space between the gums and teeth. These spaces or pockets grow larger as gum disease progresses. After the plaque is removed from the surfaces of the teeth and from under the gumline, we will polish your teeth to remove any stains and bacteria that linger.
As partners in your oral health, we will make recommendations on oral care products, techniques, and nutrition. All of these factors play an important role in the health of your smile and your overall well-being. No exam is complete without screening for abnormalities that might indicate oral cancers and warrant further investigation.
Serving patients in and around Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Scola Family Dentistry of Murrieta, CA, looks forward to getting to know you and your family. Call (951) 692-4221 to schedule your appointment.
