Back to School? Back to Work? First, Schedule Your Comprehensive Dental Exam!
Sad as it is, summer is winding to a close. Soon, the kids will be heading back to school and many folks will be returning to the office full-time. So, before this busy time of year hits, take a moment to schedule a comprehensive dental exam for you and your children today.
So, why are comprehensive exams so important? Far too many folks wait to go to the dentist when they're in pain – and that usually means a serious problem. What many don't know is that regular dental checkups allow us to address these issues in their earliest stages. For instance, a small cavity, left untreated, could ultimately require a root canal down the line. Remember, with any dental condition, it's best to nip these problems in the bud.
Tooth-by-Tooth Exam: When it comes to your teeth, there are several things to watch for. Examining each tooth carefully, we can spot cavities, loose crowns, fractures and more.
X-Rays: Thorough x-rays are an important part of any dental exam. They allow us to see problems inside the tooth before they would otherwise be apparent. This includes cavities, infection and issues with bone density.
Periodontal Exam: Healthy teeth are important – but so are healthy gums. During this part of the exam, we will look for any signs of periodontal or gum disease. A progressive condition, it's essential to catch gum disease in its earliest, nondestructive stage. Want to learn more? Read on!
In the early stage of gum disease – a condition known as gingivitis – gums may become red and swollen and bleed easily; in the more advanced stage (periodontal disease), teeth can loosen and even fall out. The leading cause of tooth loss in the US, patients with gum disease will often require a procedure called scaling and root planing.
Also known as a "deep cleaning," a scaling and root planing procedure aims to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up beneath the gums. Once the "scaler" has removed the plaque and tartar, the treated area is rough and uneven. Root planing smoothes the root of the tooth so that the gums can heal and reattach to the tooth properly.
Schedule your appointment today! Our practice offers comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry to Beverly Hills and the surrounding areas. Contact us directly at (310) 273-0111. We look forward to meeting you!