Pediatric Cleaning and Exams

Professional cleanings performed by a hygienist are just as important to your child’s dental health as daily brushing and flossing. Using specialized tools and training, your child’s hygienist will

• Remove plaque buildup from the surfaces of teeth. (Bacteria in the mouth form plaque, which collects on teeth and causes decay, gum disease, and gingivitis.)
• Remove tartar from teeth surfaces. (Tartar, or calculus, is plaque that has become so hardened on the teeth that its removal requires special procedures.)
• Remove surface stains from teeth through polishing.
• Offer individualized guidance on the best home care for your child’s preventive regimen.

Regular examinations help detect and prevent dental health issues before they become serious. Routine dental check-ups help catch problems when they are small and easier to treat. Left unattended, small treatable problems may become worse and may require more extensive procedures to repair. Dental examinations in our office generally include the following:

• Visual and laser tooth decay evaluation
• Visual gum examination
• Digital X-ray examination to detect: tooth decay in developing teeth

Regular examinations are very important for your health. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” -Benjamin Franklin

X-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Detecting issues with X-rays before they become problematic can save your child from unnecessary discomfort or pain. X-rays are primarily used to detect

• Internal tooth decay
• Teeth that are still coming in

Digital X-rays Advantages

Digital X-rays have several advantages over traditional film-based X-rays:

• Emit up to 90% less radiation
• Are ready for examination instantaneously
• Can be viewed on a computer screen
• Can be refined and enlarged
• Are greener; no chemicals are necessary for processing