Dental Hygiene Exams Fort Collins, CO.

Taking care of your oral health is essential to your overall well-being. One of the best ways to do this is by scheduling regular dental hygiene exams. At Ray Dental, our compassionate and knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health, starting with routine dental hygiene exams for patients of all ages.

What Are Dental Hygiene Exams?

Dental hygiene exams are comprehensive check-ups of your oral health. In addition to a professional cleaning of the teeth, oral hygiene exams involve a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any issues that may be present. The purpose of these exams is to catch any problems early before they can cause significant damage and to provide you with the necessary treatment and preventive care to maintain your oral health.

Importance of Dental Hygiene Exams

Regular dental hygiene exams are essential to maintaining your oral health. They allow our dental professionals to identify and treat any issues that may be present, including tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease (gum disease). By catching these problems early, we can provide you with the necessary treatment to prevent them from worsening. Additionally, dental hygiene exams give you the opportunity to ask questions about your oral health and receive valuable education on preventive care.

What Do Dental Hygiene Exams Include?

Dental hygiene exams include the following components:

Professional Examination

Our dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any issues that may be present. We’ll check for cavities, gum disease, and any other abnormalities that may be present.

Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

Professional teeth cleanings involve the removal of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth (tooth enamel). The process of having a dental hygienist use special tools to scale and polish your teeth helps to prevent decay, cavities, gum disease, discoloration, and bad breath.

Diagnostic Imaging

We may take X-rays (radiographs) or other diagnostic images to identify any issues that may not be visible to the naked eye during the examination.

Oral Cancer Screening

We’ll perform a thorough screening for oral cancer, which is a critical component of your overall oral health. This includes a visual examination and the gentle palpation of the soft tissues in and around the mouth, cheeks, and neck. We look for any signs of abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, sores, discoloration, or textural changes.

Treatment and Preventive Care Recommendations

If we identify any issues during your exam, we’ll provide you with treatment recommendations to address them. We’ll also provide you with preventive care recommendations such as professional fluoride treatments or sealants to help you maintain optimal oral health.

Patient Education

We believe that patient education is a critical component of maintaining optimal oral health. During your exam, we’ll provide valuable education on preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, and the importance of a healthy diet. Additionally, we can help you select the best products for taking care of your teeth in between appointments such as toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and oral hygiene tools.

How Often Should You Schedule Dental Hygiene Exams?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling dental hygiene exams every six months. However, the frequency of your exams may vary depending on your individual needs and risk factors. Our dental professionals will work with you to determine the optimal frequency of your exams.

Comprehensive Preventive Dentistry With Our Dentist in Fort Collins, Colorado

At Ray Dental, we believe in providing comprehensive preventive dentistry to our patients. We’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Our compassionate team of dental professionals is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Request a Dental Hygiene Exam With Dr. Veronica D. Ray, DDS PC

If you’re due for a routine checkup or have any concerns about your oral health, please contact us today to request an appointment. Our team is here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and we look forward to serving you.