Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Vancouver, WA
Prevent Problems and Protect Your Dental Health
Brushing and flossing twice daily are crucial for avoiding common oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease. However, even if you’re committed to your at-home dental hygiene routine, you can still develop hidden concerns in hard-to-see areas, such as between your teeth, beneath your connective tissues, or behind your molars.
Dr. Kelly and the rest of our Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry team can identify and address areas of concern to prevent problems and protect your dental health during a professional checkup and cleaning. Continue reading to learn more about what happens during these routine visits, and please don't hesitate to contact us for further information.
Why Choose Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Dentist with Decades of Experience
- Member of the American Dental Association
- Flexible Financing Available
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends a checkup and cleaning every six months to avoid common issues, like tooth decay and periodontal problems? Consistently visiting our team allows us to monitor your condition to catch and treat any areas of concern, like thinning enamel or swollen gums, before they progress.
Regular preventive care strengthens your enamel and connective tissues, increasing your resilience against decay, damage, and disease. That means investing in less costly checkups and cleanings now can help you avoid more complex and costly repairs later.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
It can vary slightly depending on your unique circumstances, but typically, standard dental checkups include:
- Our team will visually inspect each tooth, your gum tissues, any existing dental repairs, and your overall bite alignment to ensure there are no unexpected issues.
- Oral cancer screening. Many patients are surprised to learn we include a soft-tissue screening as part of routine appointments to avoid this rare but potentially deadly condition.
- We’ll take X-rays to see below the surface of your gums at least once annually.
- Treatment plan. Kelly will suggest appropriate solutions if we find any pressing concerns. We’ll walk you through the details and provide a pricing estimate before proceeding.
- Q&A. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your condition or dental care in general, and we’ll be happy to provide as much information as you need.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
After your dental exam, our team will use specially designed instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar from your enamel, between your teeth, and along your gums. This thorough cleaning reduces the likelihood of having gum disease, tooth decay, and halitosis (chronic bad breath).
Next, we’ll floss your gums, taking time to reach into the pockets so no germs are left behind. Finally, we will polish your teeth with a brush designed to clear away any remaining residue and remove more recent surface stains. By the time you leave, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your smile is as healthy as it is happy!