Dental Exams & Cleanings in Jackson, MI | Dental Check-Ups
Can you recall the last time you visited our dentist near you for a routine appointment? If you are not receiving exams and cleanings in Jackson, MI, you put your oral health and well-being at risk every six months. Even if you feel like your teeth and gums are fine, only a professional examination and cleaning with Dr. Mark McFerran can ensure good dental health. If it has been more than six months since your last office visit, contact Summit Pointe Dental to schedule an appointment.
Importance of Dental Exams
A dental examination gives our dentist in Jackson, MI, the opportunity to assess your overall oral health. This includes examining your teeth and gums to determine if any tooth decay or other issues are present. If you have any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health risks, our staff will identify them during your exam and set up corresponding treatment to restore your dental health. Such treatment may be in dental fillings, fluoride treatments, or even root canal therapy if necessary.
In addition to examining your teeth and gums for signs of poor oral health, Dr. Mark McFerran will provide oral cancer screening to detect it early during your exam. These screenings facilitate oral cancer diagnosis and prompt treatment for positive outcomes.
Importance of Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are important so that your teeth receive a professional polish. In addition, these cleanings allow our dental care team to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth to reduce your risk of tooth decay and its harmful effects. During a routine dental cleaning, our staff will assess your at-home oral hygiene habits and offer guidance and support if any improvements are necessary for brushing and flossing techniques.
Your oral health and well-being are priorities, so it’s important to have an exam and clean every six months. To schedule exams and cleanings near you, contact our team at Summit Pointe Dental. We look forward to being part of your lifelong path to dental health and wellness!
FAQs
These are deep cleaning technique that cleans below the gum line to get rid of the plaque and tartar buildup. It involves scaling, which removes deposits on the teeth, and root planing, which smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach. This treatment helps stop gum disease from progressing and promotes healthier gums.
Root planing and scaling are necessary to treat gum disease, especially when there's plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. If left without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, gum recession, and bone damage. This deep cleaning procedure helps stop the disease from progressing, improves gum health, and prevents more serious dental problems.
The time needed for root planing and scaling depends on the severity of extent of gum disease and the number of teeth that have been affected. Generally, it can take approximately one to two hours per session, and some patients may need more than one visit. Your dentist will do an examination of your condition and provide a clear timeline.
Root planing and scaling are usually done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. You may feel some pressure during the procedure but shouldn't experience pain. Afterward, some sensitivity, swelling, or mild discomfort is common for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and following your dentist's aftercare instructions can help manage any discomfort.
Root planing and scaling is typically done as a one-time treatment for gum disease. However, if you have ongoing issues with gum health, your dentist may recommend it more frequently. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, combined with good oral hygiene, help maintain gum health and prevent the need for repeated deep cleaning.
Recovery from root planing and scaling usually takes a few days to a week. You might experience some sensitivity, tenderness, or minor bleeding initially, but these symptoms should subside. Following your dentist's aftercare instructions, such as using a prescribed mouthwash and avoiding hard or spicy foods, helps speed up recovery.
Root planing and scaling can significantly improve gum health and stop gum disease from progressing. It removes the bacteria and tartar that cause inflammation. While it may not "cure" advanced gum disease, it effectively treats the condition and helps maintain healthy gums when combined with good oral care habits.
The benefits of root planing and scaling include reducing gum inflammation, stopping gum disease from worsening, and preventing tooth loss. This treatment helps gums reattach to teeth, reduces pocket depth around teeth, and removes bacteria that cause bad breath. It also promotes overall oral health and reduces the risk of future dental issues.
Before root planing and scaling, follow your dentist's instructions, such as maintaining good oral hygiene and possibly taking prescribed antibiotics if needed. Ensure you have soft foods at home for after the procedure, and arrange for a ride if sedatives are used. Ask your dentist any questions you may have beforehand.
Root planing and scaling are generally safe, but some risks exist, such as increased tooth sensitivity, gum tenderness, or minor bleeding. Rarely, there could be an infection or gum recession. Following your dentist's aftercare advice and maintaining good oral hygiene reduces these risks and promotes healthy healing.
During the procedure, your dentist will make your gums numb with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. They will use special tools to clean below the gum line, eliminating plaque and tartar, and then smooth the tooth roots. The process may take one or more visits, depending on the extent of the treatment needed.
After root planing and scaling, gently brush and floss your teeth, invest in a soft toothbrush, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Avoid hard or spicy foods for a few days to reduce irritation. Follow your dentist's instructions, including any prescribed medications, and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Antibiotics may be prescribed after root planing and scaling to help prevent or treat infection, especially in cases of advanced gum disease. Your dentist will decide if antibiotics are necessary based on your specific condition. Always follow the prescribed dosage and complete the course for the best results.
After root planing and scaling, it's best to stick to soft foods for a few days to avoid irritating the gums. Foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes are good options. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods till the time your gums heal. Follow your dentist's specific dietary recommendations.
Many dental insurance plans cover root planing and scaling, especially when it's deemed medically necessary to treat gum disease. Coverage amounts vary by plan, so it's best to check with your insurance provider to have a know-how of your benefits and out-of-pocket costs before scheduling the procedure.
Signs you may need root planing and scaling include red, swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Your dentist will evaluate the depth of gum pockets and assess any tartar buildup below the gum line to determine if this deep cleaning is needed.
The former or root planing and scaling is a deep cleaning technique that focuses on plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooths tooth roots, while regular cleaning focuses on removing surface plaque and tartar above the gum line. Root planing is recommended for treating gum disease, while regular cleaning is preventive.
Signs that you might need root planing and scaling include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, swollen or tender gums, loose teeth, and gum recession. If your dentist notices deep gum pockets or significant tartar buildup below the gum line during a check-up, they may recommend this treatment.
Root planing and scaling are highly effective in treating early to moderate gum disease. It removes the bacteria and tartar causing gum inflammation and permits gums to heal and reattach to teeth. When combined or added with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, it helps maintain long-term gum health.