Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings – North Raleigh, NC
The Last Step in Maintaining
Great Oral Hygiene
When you brush your teeth every morning and night and floss once a day, you are doing more than just taking care of your mouth. You are improving your general health by decreasing your risk of some rather serious illnesses and diseases, such as diabetes, pneumonia, osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke. With that said, your oral hygiene regimen is ultimately incomplete without routine checkups and cleanings. So, if it has been more than six months since your last visit, get your next appointment on the calendar. Your oral and overall health will thank you for it!
Why Choose Dr. Philip A. Lisk for Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings?
- Dentist Experienced with Helping All Kinds of Patients
- Small, Intimate Practice with Friendly Family Atmosphere
- Sedation Available for Particularly Anxious Patients
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Naturally, you might be wondering why your dental health plays such a significant role in your overall well-being. In short, researchers have found what they call the “oral-systemic connection.” In other words, what’s in your mouth doesn’t necessarily stay in your mouth. The same bacteria and toxins that can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease may be involved in the development or severity of other bodily conditions. Therefore, oral hygiene and dental cleanings are as much about caring for your whole body as they are about caring for the health of your teeth and gums.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
First, Dr. Lisk will spend some time with you one-on-one to catch up or get to know you. Then, he will ask you a few questions about your oral health, take a look at your latest X-rays, and complete a visual exam. During this last step, he will take a look at your teeth, gums, and the soft tissue in your mouth, looking for signs of decay and infection in the process. If he notices anything concerning, he will bring it to your attention right away and discuss your different treatment options.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
A routine cleaning at our North Raleigh dental practice is performed by one of our skilled hygienists. The procedure consists of scaling, polishing, and flossing the teeth in order to thoroughly remove the accumulated plaque, tartar, and stains. This cleaning not only helps to keep you healthier by preventing disease, but also leaves your mouth feeling refreshed. We offer pleasant-tasting polishing pastes that contain fluoride as well as a version that is fluoride-free – the choice is yours!
At-Home Oral Hygiene
During the time in between your visits to see Dr. Lisk, your home care hygiene routine is extremely important. Brushing and flossing need to be done daily and correctly. Here are some simple tips to improve your technique.
- Always use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth. This way, you’ll be able to brush well along the gum line where plaque is more likely to accumulate.
- Brush in a circular motion along the outer surfaces of your teeth, back and forth on the chewing surfaces as well as up and down on the inside surfaces.
- Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth every morning and night.
- Use about 18 inches of floss, moving along it as you go, so there is a clean segment between each pair of teeth.
- Curve the floss around the tooth using the side of the tooth as a guide to push the floss up and under the gumline as far as possible. Scrub up and down several times using a moderate amount of pressure. Enough pressure and motion should be used to disrupt and remove the sticky film.
Checkup and Cleaning FAQs
Do Dental Cleanings Hurt?
They shouldn’t! When we perform cleanings, we remove just surface plaque on and in between your teeth. If you experience any pain or discomfort, feel free to let us know. We can take breaks if you need, and we will work as gently as possible. Plus, Dr. Lisk can check to see if an underlying cause like a cavity or enamel wear is to blame for your discomfort. The polishing portion of the appointment should feel refreshing, and you should leave with a great sensation in your mouth!
Will I Be Lectured Because of the State of My Smile?
No matter how your smile looks currently, know that we will never judge you! If we identify an issue, we may take a few minutes to explain both what we see and the treatment for it, but we will not talk down to you at all. If you ask for instructions on how to take better care of your teeth, we can demonstrate efficient brushing and flossing techniques, but you shouldn’t leave feeling ashamed of your smile.
How Long Does a Checkup and Cleaning Appointment Take?
The length of your preventive appointment will depend on several factors, including how much cleaning is necessary to remove hardened plaque. If we find a problem to discuss, this can extend the appointment as well. However, a general estimate for this regular visit could be 30 to 60 minutes. Regardless of the timeframe, we will do what we can to make your dental checkup and cleaning experience as enjoyable and productive as possible.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
In the past, exposure to radiation became a genuine concern, but we use advanced digital technology. This new options not only reduces radiation by 90 percent but also reveals more precise X-rays. As a result, they are much safer and more accurate than 20 years ago. On top of better X-rays, we take advantage of an intraoral camera, a piece of technology that captures photos of the inside of your mouth within seconds. We can show you what issues we identify so that you see them for yourself. It’s just another way we keep you safe and informed!
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