When is the last time you had your teeth cleaned by the South Market Dental team? A bi-annual teeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining your overall oral health but what exactly happens during these exams? Let’s walk through what you can expect when you visit our downtown Wooster office.
What’s Included In Your Twice A Year Teeth Cleaning And Exam
During your teeth cleaning, the South Market Dental team will:
1) Check for changes in medical history
2) Have a dental hygienist perform a gentle but thorough examination of your teeth and gums and take x-rays if recommended
3) Gently scrape away any plaque and tartar
4) Brush your teeth with high-powered electric toothbrush
5) Floss your teeth
6) Have your dentist examine your teeth, gums, and conduct an oral cancer screening
7) Discuss a customized prevention and treatment plan, answer any questions you may have, and schedule your next appointment
When You Arrive At Our Office
When you arrive at our downtown Wooster office, located at 325 South Market Street, you’ll find ample free parking on the south side of the building. Please enter the building through the front doors and head upstairs to the second floor. We are located on the right side of the landing. If you prefer, you may also enter our building via our accessible ramp which takes you straight to the second floor. Upon arrival, we ask that you first check in with our front desk to verify your appointment, contact information, and insurance information. Once that has been verified, you may take a seat in our waiting room while our dental care team gets the examination room ready for you.
Initial Examination And X-Rays
Your hygienist will review your medical history with you and make sure you are comfortable in the dental chair. She will then conduct an initial examination of your teeth and gums using a small mirror. At this time, dental x-rays will be conducted if they are recommended. If you will be getting x-rays, your hygienist will place the sensor in your mouth in multiple locations to get good images. In some cases, we will use a panoramic x-ray to look at the roots of your teeth. At this time, it is no longer necessary to use a lead apron during the x-ray process due to the low dosage of radiation.
Your Gentle Teeth Cleaning
Your hygienist will use a dental instrument called a scaler to gently scrape away plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth. Plaque is a bacteria-based film that forms on your teeth when saliva, food, and fluids come into contact. While some plaque is normal, an excess can cause bad breath and discoloration of teeth as well as more serious issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Tartar, also called dental calculus, is calcified plaque and can form if plaque is not removed regularly by routine teeth cleaning.
Brushing Your Teeth
After your hygienist has finished removing plaque and tartar, she will ask you what flavor of toothpaste you prefer. She will then brush your teeth with a high powered electric toothbrush to remove any remaining debris from your teeth. You may notice that the toothpaste has a gritty texture which will help polish your teeth. During this step your hygienist may offer you water and a suction to rinse.
Flossing Your Teeth
Once your hygienist has finished brushing, she will floss your teeth to ensure that no debris is caught between them. Daily flossing is a important part of good oral hygiene and highly recommended by your dental care team. If you have questions about proper flossing technique or frequency, your hygienist will be happy to give you a tutorial.
Examination By Your Dentist
After your hygienist has completed her thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums, Dr. Miller or Dr. Nutile will conduct their examination. They will make sure all plaque and tartar have been removed, complete an oral cancer screening, and evaluate any potential problem areas. If an oral health concern is discovered, they will fully explain the issue to you and discuss possible treatment options. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions or concerns or request additional information as needed. Dr. Miller and Dr. Nutile will work closely with you to make sure you feel comfortable with and educated on any recommended treatments.
Scheduling And Payment
After your appointment has concluded, you will be given a bag of dental goodies including a toothbrush, dental floss, and toothpaste. You will then be ushered to our front desk where we will help you schedule your next visit. At this time, we will accept payment for the services rendered today. If you have insurance that sends payment to our office, we will submit to your insurance and send a bill to you for anything that was not covered. If you have insurance that pays you, we ask that you remit payment to our office upfront and reimbursement from your insurance company will come directly to you.
Our dental care team is currently accepting new patients and is looking forward to caring for you and your family. Schedule your next visit today by calling our office at (330) 264-6519.