Parkway Dental
Call Us
(617) 958-2799
Location
1208B VFW Parkway, Suite 307 West Roxbury, MA 02132
Dental Check-ups
For individuals undergoing their first dental checkup or who have not visited the dentist in a while, the process of a dental checkup can seem unfamiliar. During this routine appointment, a skilled dental professional thoroughly examines the smile, teeth, and gums, diligently searching for signs of infection, decay, or diseases such as cavities or periodontitis (gum disease).
Additionally, as part of the checkup, patients will receive valuable guidance on maintaining proper home care practices. This guidance equips individuals with the knowledge and techniques necessary to uphold the health and vitality of their smile between checkup appointments. Scheduling a dental checkup is a straightforward process, as individuals can reach out to our Parkway Dental team in West Roxbury, MA, at (617) 325 4100 to arrange their appointment and take a proactive step toward optimal oral health.
Dental Cleaning
During a dental cleaning, the dental professional undertakes the essential task of plaque removal, which is a buildup of bacteria accumulating on the teeth. To accomplish this, specialized tools carefully scrape the teeth above and below the gum line. Periodic teeth rinsing may occur during this process to aid in plaque removal. Subsequently, the dental professional proceeds to floss between the teeth, which may cause discomfort for patients who do not regularly incorporate flossing into their oral care routine. However, with consistent flossing as part of their daily oral care regimen, any initial discomfort tends to diminish over time.
Upon concluding the dental cleaning, the dental professional polishes the teeth. This polishing step is crucial for safeguarding the teeth against future plaque buildup, ensuring they remain shiny and smoother for an extended duration. Polishing is achieved using a spinning brush and a specialized paste, similar in appearance to toothpaste but slightly coarser to effectively eliminate any residual plaque. Following the cleaning process, patients may be requested to rinse and gargle with mouthwash, which adds a final touch to the comprehensive cleaning procedure.
Dental Examination
The dentist converses with the patient during the dental checkup to gather relevant information about their dental history. This discussion may encompass inquiries about the patient’s current medications, medical conditions, allergies, and any specific concerns or anxieties they may have. Patients must be candid with the dental team during this discussion, as this openness enables the dental professionals to provide the best possible care.
Following the discussion, the dental professional thoroughly examines the teeth. Utilizing a small mirror, they carefully inspect the oral cavity, searching for various indicators of concern. This examination includes assessing for signs such as swelling, sores, cuts, lesions, gum recession, and tooth decay. The critical elements observed are spaces between the gums and teeth, known as dental pockets. These pockets can indicate gum disease, posing potential risks to oral health. In cases where dental pockets are identified, the dental professional may recommend appropriate home care measures and monitoring to safeguard the patient’s smile.
Dental X-rays
New patients and individuals who have not undergone dental X-rays in some time may be requested to have X-rays taken during their dental checkup. Dental X-rays play a crucial role in dental examinations as they enable dentists to assess areas beneath the gum line, which would otherwise remain inaccessible. To capture these X-rays, the patient will be asked to bite down on a piece of plastic positioned between their teeth. A specialized machine will then be placed near their cheek to capture the dental image. Subsequently, the dentist will review the X-ray image meticulously to identify and evaluate any potential dental concerns or issues that may require attention.
The Importance of Regular Dental Care
Our dedicated dental team strongly recommends that all patients adhere to a regular schedule of dental checkups, ideally occurring at intervals of no longer than once every six months. Consistent scheduling of these appointments enables our dental team to monitor the patient’s oral health, promptly identifying any potential concerns. Prolonged intervals between checkups can provide ample time for the accumulation of plaque, which, if left unattended, may contribute to the development of issues such as cavities, tooth decay, receding gums, and more. During these checkup appointments, patients also receive valuable guidance on preventive measures to mitigate these concerns.
However, maintaining optimal oral health relies not solely on dental office visits; it also involves diligent at-home care. To safeguard against oral health issues between dental checkups, our dental team may offer various recommendations for at-home oral care. These suggested practices often encompass:
- Brushing the teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
- Daily flossing to clean between the teeth and maintain healthy gums.
- Incorporating the use of mouthwash into the oral hygiene routine.
- Avoiding habits such as smoking or other activities known to have adverse effects on oral health.
These home care techniques, when consistently followed, contribute significantly to preserving the patient’s oral health and complement the care provided during dental checkups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a dental cleaning?
During a dental cleaning procedure, a skilled dental professional employs specialized dental tools meticulously designed for the task. These essential tools include:
- A scraping tool, resembling a small metal hook, is used to expertly remove any buildup or deposits from the surface of the teeth. This instrument allows for carefully removing plaque and tartar, contributing to improved oral health.
- An electric toothbrush equipped with coarse toothpaste is utilized to thoroughly clean and polish the teeth. This dynamic combination effectively cleans and shines the teeth, enhancing their appearance and health.
- The dental cleaning process is further enhanced by incorporating a dental mouthwash, which eliminates any remaining buildup, protects the teeth from harmful bacteria, and leaves the mouth feeling refreshed.
Through the skilful use of these specialized dental tools and procedures, dental cleaning aims to provide patients with a comprehensive and beneficial oral hygiene experience.
What is a dental exam?
A dental exam closely parallels a dental checkup in many ways. Similar to a checkup, a dental exam entails the evaluation of the teeth for any indications of concern, coupled with a cleaning of the teeth. However, a distinctive feature of a dental exam lies in the inclusion of an extended assessment that encompasses additional areas potentially influenced by oral health, such as the head and neck. Typically, a dental exam is particularly recommended for new patients, as it allows for a more comprehensive assessment of their overall oral health status.
What is a dental X-ray?
A dental X-ray is akin to other X-rays but specifically focuses on the oral cavity. To be more precise, dental X-rays are tailored to examine the roots and regions situated beneath the gum line, areas that would typically remain concealed from view during a standard examination. The primary purpose of dental X-rays is to meticulously scrutinize and identify any potential signs of disease or other oral health issues that may be present in the vicinity of the tooth roots.
What happens if someone waits too long for a dental checkup?
Bacteria have a natural propensity to adhere to the tooth surfaces during eating. While diligent at-home oral care practices can effectively eliminate a substantial portion of this bacterial presence, completely eradicating bacteria is exceedingly challenging without specialized dental instruments. Prolonged intervals between dental checkups provide an extended timeframe for these bacteria to establish themselves on the tooth surfaces, gradually transforming into plaque and tartar. If left unchecked, this accumulation can culminate in tooth decay or the development of various oral health issues, thereby giving rise to additional and more severe concerns related to oral health.
What at-home care should be done between dental checkups?
The recommended regimen for at-home dental care comprises several vital practices:
- Brushing: It is advised to brush the teeth thoroughly at least twice a day using a toothbrush and toothpaste. This helps to remove plaque and maintain dental hygiene.
- Flossing: Regular flossing is crucial and should be performed at least once a day. Flossing helps to clean between the teeth and along the gumline, areas where a toothbrush may not reach effectively.
- Mouthwash: A mouthwash containing fluoride is recommended to strengthen the teeth and enhance oral health.
- Dietary Habits: Patients may receive guidance to avoid activities detrimental to oral health, such as smoking or consuming sugary foods and beverages.
By adhering to these recommended practices, individuals can effectively contribute to maintaining their oral health and reduce the risk of dental problems.
We Are Ready To Serve Your Various Dental Problems
Testimonials
What Patients Say About Us
Patient
Dr. Baig is very knowledgeable and communicated everything clearly from etiology to treatment options and alternatives. I was very comfortable without pain throughout my encounter. I would recommend to others without hesitation.
Patient
Everyone at Parkway dental have been very friendly and informative during both of my visits. I got a tooth pulled and it was fast and painl
Patient
Excellent service and great staff. Dr. Baig and his assistant Sarah were amazing. If painless dentistry is something you are looking for, Parkway Dental is the place.