Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in Suwanee

Why Should I Make a Dental Exam a Priority Every Six Months?

A good dental hygiene regimen and regular dental exams help to prevent dental diseases, such as decay and gum disease, that can lead to tooth loss. Keeping your natural teeth as long as possible is the best thing you can do for your smile and your ability to chew and speak properly. Our office staff is friendly and warm; we want your exam to be a pleasant experience. Before your exam, you will have x-rays taken so your dentist can see what is going on between your teeth. During a dental exam, your dentist will look for the following problems:

• Dental decay
• Loose teeth
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Tooth erosion
• Gum disease
• Loose restorations
• Oral cancer
• TMJ disorders

If your dentist finds any problems, we offer a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic treatments and procedures. He or she will explain the results of your exam to you in an easy-to-understand language. Feel free to ask questions until you understand the issues found and the recommended treatments. Your dentist will encourage you to make an appointment for another dental exam in six months or sooner if he or she feels you are at risk for cavities or gum disease. If you need a dental exam in Suwanee, phone our office to make an appointment.

Where Can I Get My Teeth Cleaned and Periodontal Treatment?

Our dental hygienists perform professional teeth cleanings, which we recommend you have done every six months before your routine dental exam. During a teeth cleaning, your hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) off your teeth. He or she will also polish your teeth using a gritty paste to remove stains on the surface and then floss between your teeth. Your dental hygienist may also make recommendations to ensure you are getting the most out of your at-home oral care routine. The process takes between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the condition of your teeth. Our patients generally find a cleaning painless; however, if you have a great deal of tartar, our dentist can give you a topical anesthetic to alleviate any discomfort.

Gum disease comes in two forms; gingivitis and periodontal disease. If you notice that your gums are red, not pink, they look swollen and they bleed easily, you most likely have gingivitis. We offer gum disease treatment for gingivitis, which is a dental cleaning and recommendations for an antibacterial mouthwash and other oral care products. Periodontal disease, an advanced form of gum disease, will cause gum recession and possibly a loss of teeth if left untreated. Moreover, studies have linked periodontal disease to health complications such as heart disease and strokes. Contact us to set up an appointment if you need treatment for gum disease.

What Should I Do If I Have Bad Breath?

The medical name for constant bad breath is halitosis. You can find many products in stores that promise to leave your breath minty fresh. However, these products don’t address the cause of your bad breath. Halitosis affects up to 25 percent of adults in the U.S., but it is usually easily treated by a dentist. Poor oral hygiene is the culprit in most cases, and your dentist can suggest products that will help you keep your teeth cleaner. He or she might also suggest using a tongue scraper or gently brushing your tongue with a soft toothbrush. Our dentist will also check for decay and signs of periodontal disease, which can also cause bad breath. Quitting smoking will also improve your breath, as well as lower your risk for gum disease and oral cancer. If you would like to treat your bad breath instead of covering it up, call our office to make an appointment.

Is an Oral Cancer Screening Painful?

The screening for oral cancer is simple and quick; there is no pain at all. It’s a simple visual inspection of your oral cavity. Our dentist will also feel the sides of the neck where the lymph nodes are located. You typically have a screening during your routine check-up unless you notice any sores that won’t heal, white patches, or rough areas in your mouth between appointments. Please call us if you notice anything unusual and we will perform a painless brush test. The earlier oral cancer is caught, the better your chance of being cured. Most people don’t realize that oral cancer is the nation’s sixth most common cancer.

If you want your teeth to stay looking nice and healthy, contact us to make an appointment for a cleaning and a dental exam in Suwanee. Also, call if you haven’t had a screening for oral cancer lately; we can combine your screening with your exam.