Cleanings & Exams | Boerne
Maintain a Healthy, Cavity-Free Smile
At Complete Dental Studio, our expert team believes in the importance of regular cleanings and comprehensive exams to your overall dental health.
Prevent Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
No matter how hard you try to maintain healthy teeth and gums with your at-home dental hygiene routine, you’ll never be able to remove all the plaque and tartar that naturally build up on your teeth over time.
That buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease — which is why regular cleanings and exams are so important to your oral health.
These routine examinations keep your teeth healthier and allow Dr. Alghadban and Dr. Thompson to diagnose, treat, and resolve any issues early — before the conditions become serious problems.
While the frequency of your cleanings and exams will depend on your present oral health, we typically recommend checkups at least every six months.
Benefits of Regular Cleanings & Exams
Let’s take a closer look at how regular cleanings and exams benefit you:
Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay
Regular teeth cleanings help to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that can cause tooth decay and cavities.
Lower Risk of Gum Disease
Regular teeth cleanings and dental exams help to identify gum disease early on, which can then be effectively treated.
Better Breath
Regular teeth cleanings help to remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Fresher Smile
Regular teeth cleanings help give you a brighter, more attractive smile by removing surface stains and discolorations.
Early Detection
Regular dental exams allow Dr. Thompson or Dr. Alghadban to identify any potential problems early on before the issue becomes more serious.
What You Can Expect
Although every patient has different needs, generally speaking, here’s what you can typically expect during your cleaning and exam visit to our Boerne office:
Thorough Cleaning & Polishing
During this stage of your exam, our expert team will remove plaque and calculus deposits from your teeth to improve the overall appearance of health of your teeth. We’ll also use special instruments — such as an ultrasonic scaler — to comfortably remove any hard deposits and stains.
- Once this step is complete, we’ll professionally polish your teeth with a fluoride paste to help:
- Remove any remaining plaque
- Buff away surface stains
- Leave your teeth feeling smooth and refreshed
Checking for Gum Disease
During this important step, Dr. Thompson or Dr. Alghadban will assess the overall health of your gums. We’ll use a small, thin instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the spaces — known as pockets — between your teeth and gums.
The readings obtained from this procedure can tell us how healthy your gums are — and help us identify any early signs of gum disease.
X-Rays (When Necessary)
X-Rays are an important diagnostic tool that can help Dr. Alghadban and Dr. Thompson detect any potential issues with your teeth that may not be visible during a visual exam.
X-Rays can show signs of decay, bone loss, and other dental problems so we can diagnose, monitor, and treat any periodontal issues with care and precision.
Visual Examination
Dr. Thompson or Dr. Alghadban will closely examine your teeth, gums, and any existing dental work (such as fillings, crowns, etc.). They’ll also look for any signs of decay, wear, or other problems that we may need to address.
Oral Cancer Screening
This is an important, obvious step in assessing your overall health. We’ll perform a thorough visual inspection of your mouth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and throat to look for any signs of oral cancer.
If we find any abnormalities during the exam, our doctors can provide you with the appropriate follow-up care.
Good oral health is essential to maintaining overall health and well-being. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily, visiting your dentist regularly, and eating a nutritious diet are all important steps you should take to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.
Here are some tips on how to maintain good oral health:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing your teeth twice a day helps remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help protect your teeth from decay.
- Floss daily. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line. Use a waxed dental floss to make it easier to slide the floss between your teeth.
How to Maintain Good Oral Health
- Limit foods high in sugar and starches. Foods high in sugar and starches can increase your risk of tooth decay. Try to limit snacks between meals and avoid sugary drinks such as soda.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Seeing your dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking can discolor your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
By following these simple steps, you can help maintain good oral health and keep your smile looking great.