Family Dentistry

What is the point of regular dental checkups and cleanings?

WHY IS ORAL HYGIENE IMPORTANT?

There are many reasons why oral hygiene is important and essential. Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check-ups will keep your mouth healthy, eliminate bad breath, and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.

We are a family-oriented practice driven by helping all of our
dental family maintain beautiful, healthy smiles.

Why get a dental exam?

Dental exams allow us to evaluate your current dental care methods and provide future care suggestions to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily.

How often should I get a
dental exam, and what
should I expect?

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, the dentist and hygienist may suggest you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities, and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.

At a typical dental cleaning & exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental
instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An x-ray is performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to identify any problems. Dr. Rogers will provide an in-depth oral examination and then discuss various options with you to cooperatively come up with a course treatment if necessary.

FAQs

If I don’t feel any dental pain, why should I go to the dentist?

Regular office visits to your dentist are the best way to detect dental decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they become expensive and painful. During your preventative care visit, a dental assistant will take x-rays that allow the dentist to diagnose dental disease. A regular visit also includes a thorough cleaning, gum health evaluation, oral exam, oral cancer screening, TMJ evaluation, and fluoride treatment if desired. Regular visits to your dentist, usually twice per year, ensure the best care for your mouth and prevent expensive dental treatments in the future.

What should I do to prepare for my visit?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it helps remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage, and current dental care methods. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.

What if I have a cavity?

After x-rays and thorough evaluation, Dr. Rogers will determine the best possible course of action. When you’re suffering from cavities, we offer the very best high-tech, composite fillings. Your appointment will be efficient and comfortable with unbeatable results. We even offer sedation options to help you feel completely relaxed. Dr. Rogers removes as little healthy tooth structure as possible and uses natural tooth-colored composite fillings. Through minimally-invasive techniques, we’ll restore both the strength and look of your tooth. Through advanced technology and Dr. Rogers’ artistic skill, you won’t even be able to tell you’ve had a filling!