Dental Checkups & Cleanings – DeSoto, TX
Protecting Your Smile Today for a Healthy Tomorrow
Have you visited your dentist recently? Even if you brush and floss your teeth every day, routine dental visits are one of the most important appointments you can make. Dr. Suzanne Najjar is a highly-trained dentist with a firm belief in preventive care, which is why she offers thorough dental checkups in DeSoto. She also has an amazing team of hygienists who provide efficient cleanings. Keep reading to learn more about these routine dental visits and why they’re vital for your oral and overall health.
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleanings
During your dental cleaning, one of our experienced hygienists will carefully clean your entire smile. They will remove plaque and bacteria from areas that couldn’t be reached at home with brushing and flossing. They may also clean away tartar—which is a hardened form of plaque that can lead to decay and gum disease. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to ask us any questions about your teeth, and our hygienist may give you some at-home oral healthcare tips.
In cases of gum disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. During your dental exam, if Dr. Najjar notices that you have signs of gum disease, she may recommend this procedure. Scaling and root planing can effectively clean your smile and minimize your risk of gum disease for the future.
What to Expect During Your Dental Exams
After your teeth have been cleaned, Dr. Najjar will examine your smile. She will check for tooth decay, and gum disease, measuring the gums to ensure that they’re healthy. She will use digital X-Rays to check for potential issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Dr. Najjar will also look for problems such as oral cancer. This type of cancer is among the most treatable if caught early on, which is why she takes extra time to check your throat, lips, gums, mouth, tongue, and any other related areas for cancer.
An Emergency Dental Exam Vs. a Full Mouth Exam
If you have a dental emergency, the first step that your dentist in DeSoto will take is an emergency dental exam. She will carefully examine the affected area, developing a personalized treatment plan for your toothache, broken tooth, lost tooth, or other emergency issues. This emergency exam, also called a limited exam, is not as comprehensive as a normal dental checkup because it’s designed to be quicker, eliminating steps like looking for oral cancer or gum disease.
The Importance of Dental Checkups & Cleanings
The American Dental Association recommends regular checkups and cleanings every 6 months because these visits are designed to prevent and detect oral health issues before they become more severe. Many dental problems like oral cancer can occur without any symptoms, making a routine trip to our office potentially life-saving. Additionally, research is continuing to show a strong connection between your oral and overall health. Problems like gum disease can increase your risk of serious issues like strokes, diabetes, heart attacks, and more.
Dental Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How Often Do I Need to Visit the Dentist for a Cleaning & Exam?
According to the American Dental Association, it’s highly recommended that people visit their dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months. With these routine appointments, our team can evaluate your oral health to check for any underlying issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or damaged restorations early on. Your dentist will also be able to clean off any plaque or tartar left in hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. With the extra help, you’ll be sure to enjoy a brighter and healthier smile until your next visit.
What Should I Do If I Need a Dental Cleaning but I’m Too Afraid to Go to the Dentist?
Do you tend to get anxious when watching, hearing, or smelling things in the dental office? Worried about pain or had negative dental experiences in the past? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, then our team is more than happy to help you. We can offer nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to help you relax during your appointment, providing greater comfort and a more positive experience. With sedation dentistry, you can expect your future dental visits to be much calmer and more stress-free.
What Does My Dentist Screen for at Routine Checkups?
For most dental checkups, your dentist will perform a relatively quick but thorough physical examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. We will also take X-rays so that we can see your jaws and any potential underlying issues that we can’t detect with our eyes alone. During your appointment, we’ll also perform an oral cancer screening, which includes checking your tongue, throat, and the floor of your mouth for any symptoms.
How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost Without Insurance?
Regular dental checkups and cleanings often cost around $99 to $274, depending on the visit. Several factors need to be considered, including whether we need to take X-rays or not, which can impact the overall price of the appointment. To know what to expect, it’s best to contact our office so that we can provide you with a price estimate as well as discuss financial options that might be available to you. Our office offers financing through third-party financiers, such as CareCredit, which turns your treatment cost into monthly, low-to-no-interest payments for a more affordable approach. We also have an in-house membership plan that can provide significant discounts with one low annual fee.