Regular Dental Checkup

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. They are a critical part of your oral health and we recommend them to all of our patrons. Dental checkups should be completed every six months to maintain optimal oral health.

Regular Dental Checkups

A dental checkup provides us with the opportunity to examine your oral health and monitor any changes that have occurred since your last visit. At Platte Valley Dental Group, a regular dental checkup includes a variety of services, all of which are critical for your oral health.

Our dental checkup appointments begin with a full examination to provide us a basic overview of your current dental health. We will look carefully to detect any cavities, tooth decay, and signs of gum disease. We then conduct a professional cleaning that eliminates any plaque, bacteria, and other buildups on your teeth. This process begins with the use of dental equipment to scrape away accumulations on the teeth and along the gum line. Then we clean and polish the teeth to address any surface stains–this also provides a long-lasting sensation of freshness. We perform an oral cancer check on a regular basis to ensure we catch any diseases as early as possible. We also check your face, tongue, throat, gums, and other soft oral tissues for any signs of risk or disease.

Occasionally during your visits, we will use digital X-rays to obtain a detailed view of your oral structure and detect any conditions that may be hidden beneath the surface, such as internal decay, periodontitis, jawbone deterioration, cysts, and oral cancer. We conduct these examinations efficiently, so any discomfort is minimized, and we share the images with you if necessary.

Teeth cleaning mockup with water pick cleaning between teeth
  • Why is regular teeth cleaning important

    While dental emergencies can strike anyone, our patients who commit to regular preventive care present with significantly fewer problems over time. Professional cleanings with a registered dental hygienist allow us to bring a blend of proactive efforts to you. Deposits of mineralized plaque, known as tartar, adhere to certain areas of the teeth, even with your best efforts. These deposits offer suitable housing for millions of harmful bacteria to reside. Left unchecked, they produce a flood of toxins into the gums. This frequently cascades into devastating chronic problems, even resulting in loss of the teeth.

    When you visit us periodically, we can gently remove the deposits from the tooth surfaces. Without sitting undisturbed, bacterial tartar doesn’t have the same opportunity to produce irreversible damage. Furthermore, we use professional-strength polishing paste that gently buffs away stains and microscopic plaque, leaving your teeth ultra-smooth and shiny. Since discoloration settles into the enamel of your teeth over time, this helps slow yellowing while maintaining a glassy surface for better cleansing.

  • What is an oral cancer screening?

    Every time we provide care, we’re observing many different aspects of your overall health. Most people are surprised at the large amount of surface area that lines the mouth. While this lining repairs itself quickly, it is susceptible to changes that may require monitoring or further evaluation.

    Oral cancer can afflict anyone although tobacco users put themselves at significantly higher risk than non-users. Chewing tobacco contains up to 3000 different chemicals, including the same compounds used in pesticides and embalming fluid. Cellular changes below the surface aren’t always detectable until they’ve advanced to a critical stage.

    However, early detection and treatment of oral cancer significantly increase the chance of a positive outcome. The American Cancer Society reports that about 7,000 deaths result from oral cancer out of 30,000 cases diagnosed annually. If we suspect any unusual changes in your mouth tissue, we may suggest a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab.

    Many other non-cancerous changes can occur in your mouth’s tissue, from oral warts to autoimmune lesions.

    As a side note, we understand tobacco holds powerful addictive powers over many health-conscious people. If you’re determined to quit, we want to be a supportive partner in your efforts. Talk to your hygienist or dentist about strategies and resources for kicking the habit.

  • Why are brushing and flossing important?

    We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they physically disrupt the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen. There are a lot of products on the market that claim they are the best. Make sure to talk about the options with your hygienist to get the best recommendation.

    And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once. Helping and encouraging your child to make brushing and flossing a part of their habits will help them have a healthy smile as kids and throughout their lifetime!

Is It Time For Your Next Checkup?

If you have more questions about dental checkups and other preventative dental care, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.

Platte Valley Dental Group Location Exterior

Platte Valley Dental Group

416 Valley View Drive, Suite 900
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
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Hours

Monday - Thursday
8:00am to 5:00pm

Friday - Sunday
Closed

Phone

(308) 633-1111