What to Expect at your Dental Exam
Great oral health is a key indicator of great overall health, so it’s important that we look after our teeth and gums. In addition to flossing and brushing daily to remove unwanted bacteria, it’s important to have them professionally cleaned to reduce the buildup of plaque which can lead to tooth decay.
Even if you have meticulous oral hygiene, our experienced team of dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygiene experts are here to ensure your teeth get a deep clean, something you can’t do at home. We recommend visiting our dental practice in Herndon twice a year for a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning.
One of our experienced dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of disease and decay. The team may also take digital or traditional X-rays of your teeth so our doctors can understand the health of your teeth under the surface of your teeth and gums that are not visible to the naked eye.
Following the dental exam, our highly-trained dental hygienist will perform your teeth cleaning. She will examine your oral tissues and use an ultrasonic scaler or metal instruments to remove the build-up of plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces. The debris will be washed away by the stream of water. The hygienist will clean in between your teeth with floss and may give you fluoride for your teeth. Finally, your teeth are polished with a low-speed rotary brush fitted with a soft rubber tip. A slightly gritty, toothpaste-like gel is applied, and the tip spins around and polishes the teeth, making them smooth and shiny.