Dental Cleanings and Exams in Woburn, MA
In Massachusetts and throughout the United States, tooth decay is the most prominent chronic condition in children. Recent data shows that 27% of 8th-grade students and 31% of 12th-grade students had a cavity when a dentist examined them. But decay isn’t selective—it impacts children and adults alike.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria damage the tooth, leading to cavities. Left unchecked, the bacteria can penetrate deeper, causing pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Fortunately, consistent dental care can prevent oral health issues like decay. If you need to schedule a dental cleaning and exam, we invite you to visit Four Corners Dental Care. Our caring team looks forward to welcoming both current patients and those dealing with dental anxiety to our practice.
What Does a Dental Cleaning and Exam Involve?
Routine dental cleanings and exams at Four Corners Dental Care are customized to meet your needs and optimize your oral health. We take the time to listen to your concerns, carefully examine your mouth, and meticulously clean your teeth. Our goal is to ensure you leave our office with a healthy, confident smile and a plan for maintaining your oral health between visits. Here’s what you can expect from your visit:
Oral Exam and Assessment
- Visual and physical exam: Your visit includes a thorough examination by the dental hygienist and dentist. They check your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, including gingivitis.
- X-rays: We may take X-rays to get a detailed view of your teeth and jawbone. These detailed images help us identify problems not visible during the visual exam, ensuring comprehensive care.
- Oral cancer screening: We will conduct an oral cancer screening by examining your mouth, throat, and neck for unusual signs.
- Bite and jaw assessment: We may assess your bite and alignment to identify occlusion (bite) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
Dental Cleaning and Treatment
- Plaque and tartar removal: The hygienist uses a small mirror and a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from around your gum line and between your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque and can only be removed with professional cleaning.
- Toothpaste cleaning: After removing tartar, the hygienist uses a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste to thoroughly clean your teeth, eliminating any remaining plaque and surface stains.
- Flossing: Next, your teeth are flossed to remove any leftover plaque or toothpaste, ensuring the areas between your teeth are clean and fresh.
- Fluoride treatments for children: Your hygienist may apply fluoride to protect teeth against cavities. This fluoride solution sits on the teeth for a few minutes to help strengthen and protect them.
The Importance of Routine Cleanings and Exams
Routine dental exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing serious dental issues. Regular visits to the dentist allow for early detection and treatment of problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral infections before they become more severe. During an exam, the dentist also performs an oral cancer screening and assesses your bite and jaw alignment to catch any potential issues early. Professional cleanings also eliminate plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t remove, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Many adults in Massachusetts recognize the value of consistent dental care, with nearly 3 in 4 having visited the dentist in the past year. This high rate of regular dental visits highlights the role of preventive care in maintaining overall health. Routine exams and cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy and contribute to your general well-being by preventing infections that can spread to other parts of the body. By making these regular dental appointments a priority, you can ensure a healthier smile and avoid costlier procedures.
Why Choose Four Corners Dental Care for Your Dental Cleaning?
Choosing Four Corners Dental Care for your routine dental visits ensures you receive the highest quality treatment in a compassionate environment. Here are the reasons why our patients trust us with their dental health:
- Judgment-free environment: We will never judge you. Our team is here to support you in achieving your best oral health, regardless of your dental history.
- Comprehensive treatment: We offer a full range of dental services under one roof, making it convenient and efficient to address all your oral health needs.
- Patient-centered approach: We prioritize quality dentistry over volume, putting your needs first and making sure you receive personalized, attentive care.
- High standards of care: Our practice maintains the highest standards of care, using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
- In-house dental savings plan: For patients without insurance, we offer an in-office dental savings plan that provides treatment discounts. This annual plan also includes 1 comprehensive exam for new patients, 2 regular exams, 1 emergency exam, 2 cleanings, and individual X-rays as needed at no extra cost!
- Flexible financing: To remove barriers to essential dental treatments, we partner with CareCredit to offer flexible financing options. These monthly payment plans make it easier to afford the dental care you need.
Prioritize Your Oral Health at Four Corners Dental Care
When was the last time you had a dental cleaning and exam? If you are looking for an experienced and compassionate dental practice in Woburn, MA, Four Corners Dental Care is the perfect choice for gentle and comprehensive care. Schedule your appointment today—we look forward to meeting you!
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental cleaning shouldn’t be painful. Most patients find it to be a comfortable experience. However, some may feel mild discomfort if they have sensitive gums or significant plaque buildup. Our skilled hygienists at Four Corners Dental Care take extra care to make your cleaning as pleasant as possible. They use gentle techniques to ensure you are comfortable throughout your visit.
Dental X-rays are typically needed once a year for routine checkups, including four bitewing X-rays to monitor for cavities and other issues between your teeth. Our in-office dental savings plan covers individual X-rays as needed and includes a Panorex (panoramic) or full-mouth series of X-rays every 5 years to provide a comprehensive view of your oral structures. These regular X-rays help us detect issues early to ensure timely treatment and the best possible outcomes.