Professional dental exams and cleanings for a confident smile

At Dhir Dentistry, we enjoy getting to know our patients and laughing with them. One of the ways we can keep your smile looking great, and your mouth comfortable and healthy, is with routine dental exams and professional cleanings at our practice in San Diego. This service is a cornerstone of proactive care and preventive dentistry and helps to avoid potentially costly and invasive restorative treatments. Consistent, routine comprehensive exams by our dentist, Dr. Sanjay Dhir, and cleanings by our registered dental hygienists also support your overall health and wellbeing. Researchers have linked oral health issues, like periodontal (gum) disease, to systemic conditions, such as heart disease. 

Professional care: A great complement to outstanding home care

Congratulations on brushing, flossing, and otherwise caring for your teeth and gums at home! While such behavior is vital to your oral health, they are not sufficient. Professional cleanings are necessary to remove stubborn, built-on plaque, which is called tartar or calculus. A toothbrush, floss, and other OTC products cannot remove this kind of plaque build-up. Professionals like our dental hygienists can only remove it. Our hygienists have the specialized tools and training to use those tools to remove bacterial plaque, tartar, and stains effectively, precisely, gently, and comfortably.

Moreover, plaque is constantly building up in your mouth. Even patients with the most diligent and thorough brushing and flossing techniques cannot possibly remove all plaque. When plaque lingers, it triggers processes that inflame the gums and erode the structure of the teeth.

Additionally, patients just love how minty-fresh their teeth feel after our hygienists clean them and after a good polish. During the same visit as your cleaning, Dr. Dhir will also examine your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues and structures. Typically, you will visit us for exams and cleanings once every six months. However, if you have comorbidities (such as diabetes) or other risks for conditions such as gum disease, we may recommend more frequent evaluation and cleaning. A comprehensive exam generally includes:

  • X-rays.
  • Inspecting the teeth and gums.
  • Assessing the state of any dental restorations (like crowns).
  • Screening for abnormalities that may indicate oral cancers or pre-cancerous lesions.

Professional exams are also critical because many oral conditions are “silent” in their earliest stages. You may think your teeth and gums are healthy. After all, they may look and feel fine. However, decay and disease can be lurking underneath. Our dentist’s keen eye and tools detect early-stage decay and disease. So, we can resolve the problem promptly, successfully, and in a conservative way that preserves natural tissues. 

Additionally, these routine visits are a great time to discuss ways to improve your oral hygiene at home. We’re happy to recommend helpful oral care products, as well as preventive services too. Call us at (858) 358-5801 to schedule your appointment today.