Routine Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Your teeth are exposed to a lot every day, but you can help keep them clean and healthy by brushing your teeth at least twice every day and flossing at least once. Even if you can’t see it, the cleanings you perform at home help remove the plaque that forms from oral bacteria, saliva, and food particles.
Sometimes, however, you can miss a spot, and the plaque that remains will calcify into tartar (also called calculus). Once it hardens, tartar is impervious to toothpaste and water, and can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning. During your appointment, Dr. Chen will also carefully examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, dental damage such as chips or cracks to one or more teeth, and other issues that might require cosmetic or restorative treatment.
In the Office
During your dental cleaning, your hygienist may ask a few questions about your hygiene practices at home, and may recommend small improvements such as certain products that can enhance your home hygiene care. Your hygienist will thoroughly, but carefully, remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of each and every tooth to reduce your risks of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other plaque-related problems.
For patients who exhibit gingivitis – which means plaque and tartar have developed under your gumline – Dr. Chen can recommend scaling and root planning – or periodontal cleaning – to prevent the onset of gum disease. Scaling and root planing involves cleaning plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your roots, underneath your gums. For more comfortable and effective results, Dr. Chen utilizes ultrasonic technology to break up plaque and tartar deposits without traditional, more abrasive scaling equipment.
During your dental examination, or checkup, Dr. Chen will perform a comprehensive visual inspection of your teeth, gums, jaw, and other oral structures. The inspection will include a visual screening to check for abnormalities in your oral tissues that could warn of oral cancer. When necessary, Dr. Chen will employ digital X-rays and/or a digital intraoral camera to capture clear, highly-detailed images of your teeth and oral structures, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.
Brighter Smiles at Illume Dental in McKinney, TX
At Illume Dental, we are committed to maintaining an excellent level of service for everyone. Our philosophy is that exceptional dental care begins with a personal relationship with your dentist and dental care team. Therefore, every treatment is tailored to meet your unique needs and exceed your expectations. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Chen, call Illume Dental in McKinney, TX, today at (469) 301-1255. We proudly welcome patients from McKinney, TX, as well as Allen, Plano, Frisco, and all surrounding communities.
