Keep Your Smile Healthy with Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams

Maintaining a healthy smile requires more than just brushing and flossing at home. Regular dental cleanings and exams are essential to preventing oral health issues and catching problems early before they become serious. At Advanced Dental Services in Longview, WA, Dr. Chad L. Kleven, DDS, and our compassionate team are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health through comprehensive dental cleanings and exams. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning patient, we ensure that your experience is comfortable, thorough, and tailored to your needs.

Why Are Dental Cleanings and Exams Important?

Routine dental cleanings and exams are the foundation of good oral health. These preventive services help:

  • Remove Plaque and Tartar: Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings remove these deposits, preventing cavities and gum disease.
  • Detect Issues Early: Regular exams allow Dr. Kleven to identify any signs of dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer, in their early stages when they are easiest to treat.
  • Promote Long-Term Oral Health: Consistent care helps prevent serious dental issues, reducing the need for more extensive and costly treatments down the road.
  • Enhance Your Smile: Cleanings polish your teeth, removing surface stains and leaving your smile looking brighter and fresher.

What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning and Exam

At Advanced Dental Services, we make your comfort and oral health our top priorities. Here’s what you can expect during your dental cleaning and exam:

1. Comprehensive Oral Examination

Your visit begins with a thorough examination of your oral health:

  • Visual Inspection: Dr. Kleven will visually inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
  • Digital X-Rays: If necessary, digital X-rays may be taken to provide a detailed view of your teeth and jawbone, helping to detect problems not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, or bone loss.
  • Oral Cancer Screening: As part of our commitment to your overall health, we perform an oral cancer screening to check for any abnormal tissues or lesions that may need further evaluation.

2. Professional Teeth Cleaning

After the exam, our skilled dental hygienist will perform a professional teeth cleaning:

  • Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized tools, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. This step is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease.
  • Deep Cleaning: If you have signs of gum disease, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be recommended to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots.
  • Polishing: Your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and plaque, leaving your smile looking bright and clean.
  • Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen your tooth enamel and protect against decay.

3. Personalized Oral Health Advice

Following your cleaning:

  • Oral Hygiene Tips: Our team will provide you with personalized advice on how to maintain your oral health at home, including brushing and flossing techniques, and recommend any products that may be beneficial for you.
  • Treatment Recommendations: If any issues were identified during your exam, Dr. Kleven will discuss your treatment options and work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

How Often Should You Schedule Dental Cleanings and Exams?

For most patients, we recommend scheduling dental cleanings and exams every six months. However, depending on your oral health needs, Dr. Kleven may suggest more frequent visits. Regular check-ups are crucial in maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing more serious dental problems.

Why Choose Advanced Dental Services for Your Cleanings and Exams?

At Advanced Dental Services, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalized care for every patient. Our practice offers:

  • Experienced Care: Dr. Kleven’s extensive experience in general and preventive dentistry ensures that you receive the best possible care.
  • Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art technology, including digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
  • Comfortable Environment: Our friendly team and welcoming office environment are designed to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Explore our other preventive services, including fluoride treatments and sealants, to further protect your smile.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning and Exam Today

Don’t wait until you have a problem to see the dentist. Regular dental cleanings and exams are key to maintaining a healthy smile. Contact Advanced Dental Services in Longview, WA, today to schedule your appointment. We proudly serve patients from Longview and the surrounding areas, including Kelso, Castle Rock, and Rainier. Call us at (360) 425-4900 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule your visit.