Dental Cleanings, Exams, & X-raysRoutine appointments are an important part of maintaining proper oral health. Cleanings, exams, and x-rays are the foundation of preventive dentistry, especially when it comes to children. At Changing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we can protect your child’s teeth and gums from potential problems with regular cleanings and exams. Professional CleaningsWe understand that some children may get nervous when they think about a trip to the dentist. However, professional cleanings are one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Even with good at-home practices, professional cleanings are a necessity. To ensure your child has a comfortable and even enjoyable experience, our dental hygienist will use a gentle hand. During the cleaning, we use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar deposits from the surfaces of the teeth. Plaque is a thin biofilm that contains the harmful bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When plaque builds up, it will eventually calcify into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. In some cases, professional cleaning may be the only way to remove tartar. Keeping plaque at bay not only improves your child’s oral health, but it also ensures they maintain a beautiful smile. Once the cleaning is complete, our hygienist will also polish their teeth to make their smile even brighter. Comprehensive ExamsA comprehensive exam is also a normal part of our routine appointments. During this exam, Dr. Meads will look for instances of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. The exam is usually split into physical and visual components. If we do diagnose any issues, the next step is discussing possible treatment options. We specialize in several restorative treatments designed to get your child’s smile back on track. We may also recommend additional preventive measures if your child is at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Education is also a big part of your child’s appointment. During the exam, we can point out areas that may require special attention during their oral hygiene routine. We may also review the proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure their routine is effective. Digital X-raysDr. Meads may order x-rays during your child’s exam. X-rays are a crucial diagnostic tool that reveals the inner workings of your child’s teeth and supporting bone. They allow us to diagnose small areas of tooth decay or deterioration that may not be visible to the naked eye. Catching tooth decay early on can eliminate the need for more invasive and expensive restorative treatment later down the line. We may also recommend x-rays to catch minor fractures if your child has experienced facial injury or trauma. We utilize digital technology for x-rays because it is safer and more effective. Digital x-rays emit much less radiation than traditional film ones. The images can also be magnified for better detail, allowing us to diagnose even smaller instances of decay. By eliminating the film development process, we also provide faster results. Schedule an AppointmentIf your child needs pediatric dental care, you have come to the right place. Call (702) 998-2840 to schedule your child’s appointment now! |
Phone(702) 998-2840 Hours
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