12 N Main St #101,
(860) 236-4249
Dental Checkups & Cleanings – West Hartford, CT
Standard Services to Help Safeguard Your Smile
Even those who are committed to brushing and flossing twice daily at home might develop hidden issues in areas that are difficult to see or access on their own. Bacteria can penetrate between your teeth, behind your molars, and below your gumline, forming cavities and periodontal disease that worsen over time if left untreated.
Our team offers standard services to help safeguard your smile with dental checkups and cleanings for patients of all ages. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from these appointments!
Why Choose West Hartford Dental Group for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Providers With Decades of Combined Experience
- Patients of All Ages are Welcome
- Multiple Payment Options Available
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
It’s easy to assume your mouth must be healthy if you haven’t noticed obvious areas of concern, but unfortunately, many oral issues start out small and can be easily missed until they progress and cause additional damage.
Visiting our team every six months for a checkup and cleaning allows us to monitor your condition so that we can catch and treat any potential problems before they become more severe. Not only can this help protect your smile, but it can also prevent the need for more complex and costly repairs and restorations.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
It might vary slightly based on your circumstances, but typically we begin your appointment by updating your medical history then proceeding with your examination. This involves visually inspecting your teeth, gums, existing dental work, and bite alignment to ensure everything is healthy and functioning as intended. We also take X-rays at least once annually to identify potential problems that might be developing beneath your teeth or connective tissues.
If our team identifies issues, such as swollen gums or thinning enamel, we’ll devise an appropriate treatment plan for your approval. Otherwise, we’ll proceed with your professional cleaning.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
For this portion of your visit, our team will use special dental instruments to carefully remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar buildup from your enamel to help avoid cavities and injuries, such as chips, cracks, or breaks. Then, we’ll floss your teeth to remove unwanted germs, helping prevent periodontal disease and chronic bad breath.
We will then polish your enamel to remove recent surface stains and may recommend a topical fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth before sending you home with a happy, healthy smile.
Dental Checkups & Cleaning FAQs
What factors can lengthen my regular dental appointment?
The general timeframe for your six-month dental checkup and cleaning appointment is 1-1.5 hours. Much of this depends on whether you are a new patient. However, certain factors can cause these visits to take longer, such as whether we notice any oral health concerns during your dental checkup, if you require X-rays, if you are interested in in-house treatments, or if you want to discuss future dental work.
We’re here to answer your questions and address your concerns, so you never need to worry about feeling rushed.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?
Fluoride is commonly recommended after dental cleanings because its application can lower your risk of dental decay and sensitivity, as well as strengthen your tooth enamel between appointments. Applying fluoride to your teeth takes only a minute, as a hygienist will brush a topical gel or foam onto the enamel surface.
You will need to avoid eating for at least one hour after treatment to ensure the fluoride penetrates the enamel and takes full effect.
Do dental hygienists do professional teeth cleanings?
It is common for dental hygienists to perform professional teeth cleanings during your biannual visits. Our team will not only clear away harmful plaque and tartar but also polish your teeth so they shine when you leave. Our hygienists are also trained to take dental X-rays, apply fluoride treatment and dental sealants, and conduct oral health assessments. This includes measuring your gum pockets and examining your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and jaw joints.
How often should I receive oral cancer screenings?
You can expect to receive an oral cancer screening at your six-month dental checkups. It only takes a few minutes, but it is essential for detecting early abnormalities so you can get follow-up care if needed. The process is simple: your dentist or dental hygienist will feel your facial area, including your neck and jaw. We’ll check for lumps or bumps before moving to the inside of your lips and mouth, looking for any red and white rough patches or oral sores that are not healing. If we find anything that could be cancerous, we will refer you to a specialist for a biopsy or additional testing.