Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Houston, TX
Preserve and Protect Your Smile
Did you know that the CDC estimates that one in four American adults has an untreated cavity and that almost half (about 47%) of citizens who are 30 years or older have some form of gum disease? Tooth decay and periodontal problems are pervasive and can impact people of all ages, genders, and walks of life.
Fortunately, they can also be prevented! Maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine at home removes a lot of plaque and bacterial buildup, but there’s no substitute for a professional cleaning with Dr. Alani. Regularly visiting her every 6 months for routine checkups and cleanings can protect and preserve your smile.
Continue reading to learn more about what to expect during these standard visits, and contact us if you have additional questions or want to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Terri Alani, DDS for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Trusted Member of the American Dental Association
- Insurance Welcomed & Flexible Financing Available
- Advanced Technology for Enhanced Patient Comfort
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
If you’re like many others, you might only think about your dental health when you’re having an issue, like a chipped tooth or persistent ache. When you’re not immediately worried about anything, it’s easy to believe that your teeth must be in good health and that you don’t need a checkup. However, skipping routine visits can detract from your overall oral well-being.
Dental problems don’t usually get better on their own and tend to worsen if they’re left unaddressed. Regularly seeing Dr. Alani allows her to monitor your condition so that she can act quickly if she spots any areas of concern, like signs of weakening enamel or gum disease. By catching and treating them early, she can help you avoid more costly and complex repairs later.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Although it may vary slightly based on your unique circumstances, you can generally expect your checkup to include:
- An oral examination. We’ll visually inspect your bite alignment, teeth, gums, and any existing dental work to ensure everything’s in good condition.
- Cancer screening. Oral cancer can put your life at risk but might be treatable if they’re caught in time. As a result, we scan your mouth for any indicators as a standard step of every checkup.
- We may take X-rays or other scans as needed to ensure nothing develops below the surface.
- Proposed treatments. If we detect any issues, we’ll propose solutions to address them.
- We’re happy to walk you through any suggested treatments or answer any questions you have about your dental status.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Even those who consistently brush and floss twice daily at home can get cavities or gum disease. Unwanted germs can hide in places that are hard to reach or see by yourself. A professional cleaning with our team ensures that all the plaque, tartar, and bacteria are removed from every nook and cranny.
First, our team will use special instruments to scrape away any residue from between your teeth and along your gumline. This keeps tooth decay and chronic bad breath at bay. Then, we’ll floss them to ensure nothing penetrates below your gums to cause periodontal problems. Finally, we’ll polish your enamel to remove surface stains for a sparkling fresh smile!