Cleanings and Oral Exams
Professional Cleanings and Thorough Examinations
Regular professional cleanings and comprehensive oral examinations form the foundation of excellent oral health care at Irmo Dentistry. Our skilled dental hygienists and Dr. Jameson Davis work together to provide thorough, gentle cleanings that remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup while conducting detailed examinations to detect potential problems early. These essential services help patients throughout Irmo and surrounding South Carolina communities maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.
Our approach combines meticulous attention to detail with advanced technology to ensure every cleaning and examination is both comprehensive and comfortable. We understand that many patients may feel anxious about dental visits, which is why our team takes extra care to explain each step of the process and ensure you feel relaxed throughout your appointment. From the moment you arrive at our modern facility until you leave with a clean, healthy smile, we focus on providing exceptional care that exceeds your expectations.
BENEFITS OF CLEANINGS AND ORAL EXAMS
Complete Plaque Removal
Professional cleanings remove stubborn plaque and tartar deposits that regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. Our thorough cleaning process reaches every surface of your teeth, including areas below the gum line, preventing cavities and gum disease while leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Early Problem Detection
Comprehensive oral examinations allow us to identify dental issues in their earliest stages when treatment is most effective and least invasive. Early detection helps prevent minor problems from becoming major concerns, saving you time, discomfort, and significant treatment costs.
Personalized Care Plans
Every cleaning and examination includes personalized recommendations based on your unique oral health needs. We assess your risk factors, discuss your concerns, and develop customized care plans that help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health between visits.
STEPS OF PROCEDURE
Process
Step 1
Medical History Review
We begin each appointment by reviewing your medical history and discussing any changes in your health, medications, or oral health concerns. This information helps us provide safe, effective care tailored to your current health status and individual needs.
Step 2
Visual Examination
Dr. Davis performs a comprehensive visual examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues. We check for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions while evaluating your bite and jaw function for optimal comfort.
Step 3
Digital X-rays
When necessary, we take digital X-rays to reveal problems not visible during the visual examination. Our advanced digital technology reduces radiation exposure while providing detailed images that help us detect cavities, bone loss, and other issues early.
Step 4
Professional Cleaning
Our skilled hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup using specialized instruments and ultrasonic technology. We clean all tooth surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas between teeth and below the gum line, ensuring thorough plaque removal throughout your mouth.
Step 5
Polishing and Fluoride
We polish your teeth to remove surface stains and create smooth surfaces that resist future plaque buildup. A professional fluoride treatment strengthens tooth enamel and provides additional protection against decay, completing your comprehensive cleaning experience.
Advanced Technology for Superior Results
At Irmo Dentistry, we utilize the latest dental technology to enhance our cleaning and examination services. Digital X-rays provide crystal-clear images with up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, while intraoral cameras allow us to show you exactly what we see during your examination. Our ultrasonic scaling technology removes tartar more effectively and comfortably than traditional methods, making your cleaning experience more pleasant and thorough.
Our commitment to technology extends to our patient education approach as well. We believe informed patients make better decisions about their oral health, which is why we take time to explain our findings and show you areas that may need attention. This collaborative approach helps you understand the importance of regular cleanings and examinations while empowering you to take an active role in maintaining your oral health.
Expert Care You Can Trust
Dr. Jameson Davis brings extensive experience in comprehensive dental care to serve patients throughout the Irmo community. Dr. Davis’ gentle examination technique and thorough approach ensure that every cleaning and examination appointment is both comfortable and comprehensive. Believing that quality preventive care is the key to avoiding complex dental problems, Dr. Davis takes the time to educate patients about their oral health and provide personalized recommendations for maintaining healthy smiles. A strong commitment to excellence and patient comfort has earned the trust of countless families who rely on Dr. Davis’ expertise for their ongoing oral health care needs.
FAQS
How often should I have professional cleanings and oral exams?
Most patients benefit from professional cleanings and examinations every six months. However, some individuals with gum disease, high cavity risk, or other oral health concerns may need more frequent visits. During your appointment, we’ll assess your individual needs and recommend an appropriate schedule for your ongoing care. Regular visits help prevent problems and maintain optimal oral health.
Will my cleaning be painful or uncomfortable?
Professional cleanings should not be painful when performed by skilled professionals using proper techniques. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity during cleaning, especially if they have sensitive teeth or significant tartar buildup. We use gentle techniques and can apply desensitizing agents when needed to ensure your comfort throughout the cleaning process.
What can I expect during my oral examination?
Your comprehensive oral examination includes visual inspection of your teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues, evaluation of your bite and jaw function, and digital X-rays when appropriate. We check for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions while assessing your overall oral health status. The examination is thorough but comfortable and typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
Are cleanings and exams covered by dental insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover professional cleanings and oral examinations at 100% as preventive services. We accept most major insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits before treatment. Our team can verify your coverage and explain any costs not covered by your insurance plan.
How should I prepare for my cleaning and examination appointment?
No special preparation is needed for your cleaning and examination appointment. However, please bring a list of current medications, inform us of any changes in your medical history, and let us know about any specific concerns or areas of discomfort you may be experiencing. Arriving a few minutes early allows time for paperwork and helps ensure a relaxed visit.
What happens if you find problems during my examination?
If we discover any issues during your examination, we’ll discuss our findings with you immediately and explain your treatment options. We believe in conservative, patient-centered care and will never recommend unnecessary treatment. For any needed procedures, we’ll provide detailed information about the treatment process, timeline, and costs so you can make informed decisions about your care.
