Preserve Your Oral Health with A Dental Cleaning and Examination

Regular dental checkups can help to preserve your oral health and your overall wellbeing, minimizing your risk of developing serious complications like decay, cavities, and gum disease. At our Flowood, MI, office, our team provides professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth and gums. Using advanced technology, Dr. Danny O'Keefe can also conduct a thorough examination to look for changes in your oral health and detect signs of oral cancer in its earliest stages. At Family Dental Care, we are committed to providing superior dental care, helping our patients maintain beautiful, healthy smiles.

During your dental checkup, our team can professionally clean your teeth and evaluate your oral health.

Why Are They Valuable?

Professional dental cleanings and exams are an integral component of a good oral hygiene regimen. Though daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque from the teeth and gums, they cannot eliminate all infection-causing bacteria. Plaque and debris can collect in hard-to-reach areas and require professional removal at our office. 

Professional dental cleanings and exams are an integral component of a good oral hygiene regimen.

At your checkup, Dr. O’Keefe will also perform a thorough examination. During this time, he can detect potential problems in their earliest stages to reduce your risk of developing future complications. 

What to Expect During a Checkup

Dr. O'Keefe recommends that patients of all ages schedule an exam and cleaning every six months to maintain oral health. In some cases, we may recommend more frequent visits, especially if you have a condition like periodontal disease, which requires more complex care. 

Initial Examination

Before cleaning your teeth, your highly qualified and friendly hygienist will perform an initial examination to verify that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo a regular cleaning. Your hygienist will also make note of any signs of potential cavities or gum disease.

Dental Cleaning

During your cleaning, the hygienist will use a scaling instrument to gently remove plaque and tartar deposits from the tooth surface and gum line. It is common to hear a scraping sound during this process. This simply means your hygienist is effectively removing hardened deposits from your smile.

Your hygienist will then carefully apply a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste to the tooth surface to polish your teeth for a smoother, brighter appearance. Once your teeth have been polished, she will professionally floss your teeth to ensure optimal cleaning. Lastly, you may receive a fluoride treatment to help protect you from cavities and decay.

After your cleaning, your hygienist may demonstrate the proper methods of brushing and flossing to help you achieve the most effective results at home.

X-Rays

Dr. O'Keefe may request an x-ray to evaluate the structure and soundness of your jawbone, teeth, and existing restorations. Our office is equipped with advanced technology to provide you with the highest quality care and comfort. We use digital x-rays, which provide immediate, detailed results and limit your exposure to radiation. If your dentist notices any signs of damage or decay on your scans, he can recommend the proper course of treatment to ensure your oral health.

Dental Examination

Dr. O’Keefe will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, looking for signs of decay, infection, or disease. Depending on your medical history and unique needs, he may also perform an oral cancer screening. During this process, he will look and feel for any irregularities in and around the mouth and jaw. In addition, he will examine your head, neck, and jaw to detect signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Dr. O'Keefe is dedicated to helping patients preserve and maintain a healthy smile. Poor oral health has been linked to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. That is why in-office preventive care combined with good oral hygiene practices at home can help to protect both the health of your smile and your overall wellbeing. 

Protect Your Health

Dr. O'Keefe and his experienced team can address oral health concerns before they cause serious complications, helping to keep you problem free. If it has been more than six months since your last checkup, call our office at (601) 926-2526 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment.