Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in Arlington

We provide comprehensive dental care, and our team members are dedicated to patient satisfaction. We want your visit to be comfortable and pleasant. If you have any questions during your time with us, let us know. We’re here to help.

Your visit will include a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. Our team will also check the soft tissues of your mouth. This dental exam helps your care team detect many types of oral health issues, including the following:

• Cavities (tooth decay)
• Teeth grinding
• Gum disease
• Bone loss
• Oral cancer

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of developing long-term relationships with our patients. We would be delighted to welcome you to our dental clinic. To book your initial consultation and dental exam in Arlington, reach out to us over the phone or online.

Why Do I Need Professional Dental Cleanings and Gum Treatments?

When you have your teeth cleaned by a dental care professional, your provider uses special tools that are designed to remove plaque and tartar. Plaque is the sticky coating that you feel on your teeth when you eat and drink. It’s a type of bacteria, and it can create holes in your teeth. You can remove some plaque with daily brushing, but it’s very difficult to remove every trace of plaque without using professional tools.

When plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. This substance can damage your tooth enamel, but you should not attempt to get rid of it at home. Since tartar is a very hard substance, professional dental tools are required to remove it. Your dental team will remove all traces of tartar for you during your professional cleaning.

When plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, you’re at a higher risk of gingivitis. This oral health condition is the first stage of gum disease, and it can make your gums red, tender, and swollen. Your gums could bleed when you brush or floss. If you observe any of these signs, you should schedule a dental exam as soon as possible. During your visit, make sure to ask your dentist about gum disease treatment.

If you don’t treat your gingivitis, you may develop a more severe form of gum disease. Known as periodontal disease, this condition requires specialized care. For example, many patients with periodontal disease have root planing to remove tartar below the gum line. Your dentist will talk with you about the periodontal treatment you may need.

Inflammation plays a major role in gum disease. To decrease inflammation, you may need to use antibiotics and mouthwashes that are prescribed by your dentist. If you’re coping with severe symptoms, your care team might recommend bone grafts, gum pocket reduction, and other surgical treatments.

What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning?

To begin your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from your tooth surfaces, the areas around your gum line, and the spaces between your teeth. This process is called scaling, and it can be performed with hand tools and ultrasonic equipment.

During the next part of your appointment, the hygienist will use special equipment

to brush and floss your teeth. If your teeth have surface discoloration from coffee or other substances, your provider can remove those stains with a polisher.

What Happens When I Consult My Dentist About Treatment for Halitosis?

More than 25% of American adults struggle with halitosis. Also known as bad breath, this condition can be caused by tooth decay, ineffective oral hygiene, and frequent consumption of certain foods and beverages.

If you’ve been struggling with halitosis, our dental care teams are here for you. We’re proud to offer professional cleanings, oral hygiene advice, and customized treatment plans that will allow you to get rid of this condition.

At the beginning of your consultation, we’ll ask you a few questions about your medical history. We’ll make a note of any symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Our dentist will look at your teeth and gums to check for cavities and other oral health issues that could trigger halitosis. To finish up, the dentist will let you know about any issues that were found. He or she will explain the treatment options that may be right for your needs.

How Are Oral Cancer Screenings Performed?

Oral cancer screenings are performed at all checkups for adult patients. In many cases, oral cancer doesn’t produce symptoms in its early stages. Screenings are crucial for the detection of this condition.

In general, oral cancer screenings are quick and painless. Your screening will take approximately five minutes. To begin, your provider will look at your lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, and cheek lining. You might need to move your jaw from side to side during this part of the exam. Your provider will be looking for redness, white patches, and other potential issues.

For the final part of the examination, your dental care provider will touch certain areas of your neck, jaw, and face to detect swelling and soreness. If this part of the exam feels uncomfortable, let your provider know right away.

Once the exam is finished, our provider will give you your results. If any concerns were found, you may need to see a specialist for additional testing.

If you need a dental exam in Arlington, contact our team today. From routine exams to advanced treatment options, you can rely on our team for all of your oral health needs. We invite you to book your appointment over the phone or online. We’re looking forward to serving you.