Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Homer Glen, IL
An Easy Way to Prevent Potential Problems
Brushing and flossing twice daily at home are essential to keeping your smile clean. Unfortunately, it’s no guarantee that you won’t develop an issue somewhere difficult to see or reach, like between your teeth or behind your molars.
Thankfully, your DeAngelo Dental of Homer Glen team has an easy way to prevent potential problems with standard checkups and cleanings. Continue reading to learn more about what typically happens during these appointments, and feel free to contact us with any questions.
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Did you know that an estimated 21% of American adults have untreated cavities, and about 47% have periodontal problems? Dental issues don’t usually resolve themselves and tend to worsen over time, and unfortunately, the early signs are notoriously easy to miss.
Meanwhile, Dr. DeAngelo has the experience and state-of-the-art equipment required to catch and address any areas of concern before they progress. This can keep you from needing more costly and complex treatments to address damage that could have been avoided.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
It might differ slightly based on your unique circumstances, but typically a dental checkup includes:
- Medical history. We will list any current medical conditions, prescriptions, or supplements that you are taking so we don’t recommend a treatment or medication that might put your health at risk.
- We’ll look over your teeth, gums, bite alignment, and any existing restorations to ensure that everything is in good condition.
- Oral cancer screening. Our team also includes tests your soft tissues to prevent this potentially fatal condition.
- Imaging. At least once annually, we’ll take X-rays to ensure nothing has developed underneath the surface.
- Treatment plan. We’ll propose solutions for any issues that we find and go through the details for your approval before proceeding.
- Feel free to bring up any questions you may have about suggested procedures or your at-home dental hygiene routine.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
After we’ve examined your mouth, we’ll carefully clean your teeth and gums. Our hygienist begins by removing any plaque and tartar buildup with special dental instruments designed to reach between your teeth and along your gumline. This reduces the likelihood of developing common issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or chronic bad breath.
Then, we’ll floss your teeth to ensure bacteria aren’t left behind in the pockets of your gums. Finally, we’ll polish them to remove minor surface stains so that you leave with a smile that sparkles.