Dental Exams & Teeth Cleanings
Comprehensive and personalized general dentistry services in Sherman Oaks, CA
Easy Steps to Maintain a Healthy Smile
At Dr. John Matchett’s dental office in Sherman Oaks, we stress the importance of preventive dentistry, including dental exams and cleanings. These services aim to keep your teeth and gums healthy, help your family avoid the need for complex dental work, and minimize dental costs.
Prevention Supports Overall Health and Wellness
Maintaining a healthy smile involves more than your teeth and gums; recent studies show that chronic gum inflammation caused by gum disease can lead to other health issues. Heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, dementia, and low birth weight babies have all been linked to poor oral health.
What to Expect at Your Routine Dental Exam
Our dental care team strives to make routine dental exams a pleasant, comfortable experience. Check out our step-by-step guide of what to expect during a dental exam with us.
Dental & Medical History Review
To provide the best possible care, our dental team begins by reviewing your medical history, including medications, pre-existing conditions, and any dental health concerns you may have.
Digital X-Rays as Needed
If you are a new patient or have specific oral health concerns, Dr. Matchett may recommend dental x-rays. The goal is to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and diagnose underlying issues to provide the safest, most effective treatment.
Comprehensive Oral Exam
Dr. Matchett thoroughly examines your teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft tissues, checking for signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. This step is crucial in identifying and treating any dental issues in their early stages.
Discussion of Findings & Treatment Planning
After the examination, Dr. Matchett will discuss his findings with you. He will present a treatment plan if needed to address any concerns and recommend the best course of action to maintain or improve your dental health.
Gentle Professional Teeth Cleanings
Routine teeth cleanings every six months play a vital role in maintaining a healthy smile. Also called prophylaxis or prophy, we recommend this type of cleaning for individuals with good oral health and no signs of gum disease.
Remove Plaque & Tartar
Using specialized dental instruments, our skilled hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar buildup from tooth surfaces and along the gumline. This step is essential in preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Polishing & Flossing Your Teeth
After removing plaque and tartar, our hygienist will polish your teeth using a mildly abrasive paste and a rotating rubber cup. This process helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and shiny.
Next, our hygienist carefully flosses between your teeth, removing all debris and any remaining plaque.
Fluoride Treatment
To help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities, we may recommend applying a fluoride treatment to your teeth. This can be in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are routine teeth cleanings important?
Routine teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. These appointments allow our hygienist to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated over time. When left unaddressed, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss.
Early Detection & Treatment
Your six-month teeth cleanings coincide with your routine dental checkups, where Dr. Matchett examines your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Evaluating your mouth regularly allows him to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into more severe problems.
Early detection and treatment of concerns is better for your oral health because it can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long term.
Maintain a Bright, Healthy Smile
In addition to oral health benefits, routine dental cleanings also contribute to a brighter, more radiant smile. During the process, your hygienist removes surface stains and discoloration, leaving your teeth looking clean and bright.
By scheduling routine teeth cleanings, you take an essential step towards preserving your oral health and maintaining a beautiful smile.
Schedule Your Next Exam and Teeth Cleaning with Us
At Dr. John Matchett’s practice in Sherman Oaks, CA, we are committed to ensuring that your routine exam and teeth cleaning is beneficial for oral health and a pleasant experience. Book your appointment today and start your journey toward a happier, healthier smile!
