Cleaning, Exam and X-Rays in Austin

Preventing problems before they start is always easier than trying to solve them later. That’s especially true when it comes to your oral health. That’s why visiting your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings, exams & X-rays is so important for every member of your family. At North Austin Dentistry, we are pleased to provide these preventative services to our patients from throughout the Austin, TX, area.

Why Cleanings, Exams & X-rays Are So Important

Even if you are diligent about your own oral hygiene routine at home, the truth is that you’ll never be able to remove all the plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth over time. Only a trained hygienist can do that. If that buildup is not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and even gum disease. But there is another extremely important reason to visit your dentist for your routine exams: oral cancer screening. Like several other forms of the disease, oral cancer often has no symptoms until the patient is in the latter stages of the disease. Fortunately, Dr. Miller includes oral cancer screening as a regular portion of his exams. So if there are any signs of oral cancer, he’ll be able to catch them early on, when treatment options are simpler and more effective.

What to Expect During Your Visit

• During your routine visit, your hygienist will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth.
• Your hygienist may also measure the depths of pockets that form in the gum tissue surrounding your teeth, checking for any signs of gum disease.
• X-rays may be taken, if necessary.
• Dr. Miller may also perform an oral cancer screening.

Although the exact procedures performed for each patient may vary somewhat, depending on that person’s oral health and history, much of the visit will be quite similar when it comes to the cleaning and polishing of your teeth.

How Often Do You Need Cleanings, Exams & X-rays?

The frequency of your routine exams depends on the current state of your oral health. If your teeth and gums are in good condition, Dr. Miller will probably recommend coming in every 6 months. Those patients with questionable gum health may be asked to visit every 3 or 4 months instead. After your initial visit, your hygienist and Dr. Miller will recommend the right schedule for you.