Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in Chesapeake, VA

Don’t wait until you have a toothache to go to a dentist, as an exam can catch small problems before they result in a bad toothache. Your exam will consist of:

• a medical history questionnaire, so bring a list of any medicines that you are currently taking,
• a dental cleaning,
• X-rays, if needed,
• a visual inspection of your mouth,
• a screening for oral cancer,
• a discussion about any problems our dentist may have found and answers to any of your questions that you have for our dentist.

You should have an exam every six months, or sooner if you have gum disease or any other dental problem. If you need a dental exam in Chesapeake, please call us to arrange an appointment. We are always glad to meet new patients.

Why Do I Need Professional Teeth Cleaning If I Brush and Floss Diligently?

You can brush twice a day and floss daily, but it’s impossible to remove hardened deposits of plaque without help from a dentist. Keeping plaque off your teeth helps prevent cavities, gingivitis and more advanced periodontal disease. For many of our patients, it’s convenient to have their teeth cleaned twice a year by a dental hygienist during a regular dental exam.

How Can I Prevent Needing Gum Disease Treatment?

Anyone who does not brush and floss regularly and have a dental cleaning twice a year is at risk for gum or periodontal disease. It starts with gingivitis, which is evidenced by swollen, red gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. If this occurs, our dentist may suggest a dental cleaning. If you ignore the signs of gingivitis, you will need periodontal treatment, such as a deep cleaning, to possibly halt the signs of advanced gum disease, including receding gums, abscesses and loose teeth.

Can a Dentist Help Me with a Bad Breath Problem?

Almost a quarter of Americans experience bad breath at some point in their lives. The problem could be something you ate, poor oral hygiene or dental decay. If better oral hygiene does not help, please call us to make an appointment with our dentist to discuss the problem. You could have dental decay or gum disease. If everything checks out fine, our dentist can recommend products to use at home.

Why Do Dentists Test for Oral Cancer?

Our dentist does an oral cancer screening during your first visit because oral cancer doesn’t have to spread and early detection saves lives. When you come in for a dental exam, our dentist will examine all the soft tissue in your mouth, looking for anything unusual. You’ll also learn how to do a monthly self-examination. Bring any lesions or discolorations that persist for more than two weeks to our dentist’s attention.

If it has been six months or more since you have had a dental exam, please call us for an appointment.