Routine Dental Exams & Care in El Paso
Routine dental exams are important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Additionally, they can help to avoid the financial costs associated with problems that may persist or worsen over time resulting in larger and more expensive problems later on. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends twice yearly checkups for people of all ages. At this frequency, most problems can be caught while they remain in an early stage.
How It’s Done
The dentist first examines your mouth visually, using dental equipment such as mouth mirrors, dental picks, and high intensity lights. They will look for cracked and decayed teeth, as well as review other important items such as:
- Medical history review: The dentist will assess how any new medical conditions or illnesses may affect your dental health.
- Examination of tooth decay: Your mouth will be checked for cracked or decayed teeth.
- Gum disease evaluation: Your gums and bone around the teeth will be checked for any evidence of periodontal disease.
- Examination of existing restorations: Current dental fillings, crowns, and other restorations are made sure to be in good order.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Our office is not only dedicated to your smile, we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a holistic approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your oral cavity as a whole, and not just your teeth, to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions. Besides a visual examination of your mouth, we will also feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities. If we find an area of concern, we may perform a simple test, such as a brush test, which collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If this test comes back atypical or positive, we may recommend a biopsy.
Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer. The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips.
During your next dental appointment, ask your El Paso dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment.
Digital X-Rays
Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office.
Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to less radiation than with traditional X-ray technology.
Our practice is focused on making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. At your next appointment, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Dental Cleanings
A professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can improve your oral health according to the Academy of General Dentistry. The dentist or hygienist performing your cleaning will have the opportunity to remove any hardened plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth. Even with careful brushing and flossing, it is still difficult to ensure teeth are 100% free of plaque and tartar at home. That is why twice a year it is recommended you visit your dentist in El Paso, TX for a professional cleaning!
Our staff will carefully clear your mouth of any plaque and tartar deposits, and we will polish your teeth to perfection and floss thoroughly. We generally perform cleanings in conjunction with an overall examination to ensure your mouth is looking its best.
Neglecting your at home and professional oral hygiene routine could result in periodontal disease that can require additional care and costs. Keeping up to date with your oral hygiene is your best defense!
Brushing Instructions
Brushing: Step 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.
Brushing: Step 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.
Brushing: Step 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Brushing: Step 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
Flossing Instructions
Flossing: Step 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes it up.
Flossing: Step 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Flossing: Step 3
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Flossing: Step 4
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.
FAQs About Routine Dental Care
Q. Why is routine dental care important?
A. Routine dental care helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral-health issues before they become serious. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect early signs of problems and provide timely treatment, saving you discomfort and cost in the long run.
Q. How often should I visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning?
A. Most patients benefit from visiting the dentist every six months. However, people with gum disease, frequent cavities, or other risk factors may need cleanings more often. Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your oral-health needs.
Q. What happens during a routine dental checkup?
A. A routine checkup usually includes:
- A full exam of your teeth and gums
- Screening for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer
- Digital X-rays if needed
- A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
- Personalized oral-hygiene recommendations
Q. What’s included in a professional dental cleaning?
A. A dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, polishes them, and may apply fluoride treatments. Cleanings help maintain healthy gums and reduce your risk of tooth decay.
Q. Do I really need dental exams if I brush and floss at home?
A. Yes. Even excellent brushing and flossing cannot remove hardened tartar or detect early issues below the surface. Routine exams catch problems early, when treatment is simpler and more effective.
Q. Are routine dental X-rays safe?
A. Modern digital X-rays use very low radiation and are considered safe for both adults and children. They help identify issues that are not visible during a visual exam, such as decay between teeth or bone loss.
Q. Can routine dental care help prevent gum disease?
A. Absolutely. Regular cleanings remove the plaque and tartar that cause gum inflammation. Early detection during checkups also helps prevent gum disease from progressing to more serious stages.
Q. What signs indicate I may need to visit the dentist sooner than six months?
A. Schedule an appointment right away if you notice:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Broken, loose, or chipped teeth
- Mouth sores that do not heal
These symptoms may indicate an underlying problem.
Q. Is routine dental care recommended for children?
A. Yes. Children should begin routine dental visits by age one or within six months of their first tooth. Regular visits help monitor oral development and build healthy habits early.
Q. Does dental insurance cover routine checkups?
A. Most dental insurance plans cover routine checkups and cleanings twice a year. Coverage varies, so your dental office can help verify your benefits.
Q. How long does a routine checkup and cleaning take?
A. A typical appointment lasts 45–60 minutes, depending on your oral health and whether X-rays are needed.
Q. Is routine dental care painful?
A. Routine cleanings and exams are usually comfortable. If you have sensitivity or anxiety, let your dentist know—most offices can adjust techniques or offer comfort options to help you relax.
Q. What happens if I skip routine dental visits?
A. Skipping routine visits increases the risk of undetected cavities, gum disease, infections, and more extensive (and expensive) dental treatments later. Routine care is the best way to maintain a healthy smile.