Step Up Your Preventive Dental Care with Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings
Just like your car requires regular maintenance to function smoothly and avoid costly repairs, your teeth and gums need consistent care to stay healthy and strong. Skipping oil changes or neglecting routine inspections for your car can lead to breakdowns, and the same applies to your oral health. Cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and other issues can arise without proper care, causing pain and expensive damage.
At Kelley Family Dental Center, preventive dentistry is at the heart of our approach to care. Drs. Jonathan and Gretchen Kelley provide comprehensive dental exams and cleanings in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to maintain oral health and keep your smile vibrant.
What does my dental exam involve?
Expect a painless but thorough experience. The dentist starts by thoroughly inquiring about your medical and dental history. We want to understand your full health in detail so that we can tailor your dental experience.
Next, we’ll visually inspect your oral cavity for signs of:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Failing crowns or fillings
- Misalignment
- Bruxism (chronic teeth grinding)
Dental X-rays may be necessary to uncover oral issues beneath the gum line. X-rays help detect impacted teeth, bone loss, abscessed teeth, interproximal cavities, and other hidden problems. Our office uses the latest X-rays because they capture high-resolution images with minimal radiation exposure. Finally, we’ll discuss your dental exam findings and devise a treatment plan to restore oral health.
What is a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning usually accompanies your dental exam. Professional cleanings allow us to remove plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily, plaque can build up between the teeth and the gum line.
Our dentist or dental hygienist uses special dental instruments to remove unhealthy deposits from those areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Then, we use gritty toothpaste to polish your teeth. Many patients love this part because it leaves a smooth, shiny appearance on your teeth. Until your next cleaning appointment, we expect you to brush and floss your teeth diligently to keep your smile healthy and sparkling.
Why do routine oral wellness appointments matter?
Life gets busy, and skipping or putting off recommended dental care can be easy. Whether swamped with family, personal, or work responsibilities, never put your oral health on the back burner.
Adhere to bi-annual oral wellness visits and reap the following benefits.
- Prevention: Teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
- Early detection: Routine dental check-ups detect oral problems before they advance and become painful and costly.
- Optimal performance: As a well-maintained car runs smoothly, healthy teeth allow you to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
- Cost-effective: Prevention saves you from root canals, crowns, teeth replacements, and other costly restorative treatments.
- Optimal well-being: Oral health issues like periodontal disease have been linked to systemic problems like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Caring for your oral health benefits your entire body.
- Improved aesthetics: Dental cleanings eliminate yellow-looking tartar and surface stains to maintain a radiant smile.
Ready to book your appointment?
Don’t wait for issues to arise before scheduling a routine dental exam with Kelley Family Dental Center. Take action now and dial 505-898-4504 to reserve your appointment. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!