Dr. Carmen and his team of dental hygienists and assistants genuinely enjoy spending time with their patients and getting to know each one better. However, that’s not the only reason they want you to come by twice a year. Dental checkups are a way for you to maintain your oral health, and they are also an important part of what you do to ensure your overall health. That’s why Norman dentist Dr. Carmen encourages patients of all ages to schedule two dental cleanings and exams every year.
Dental Checkups in Norman
At Dr. Carmen’s office, a dental checkup may be routine, but we take the time to carefully and thoroughly complete each step of your cleaning and exam. Each tooth is cleaned with a special rotary brush and fluoride toothpaste in the flavor of your choice. Afterwards, the hygienist flosses in between your teeth to remove any trapped particles of food as well as plaque—that colorless and sticky film that can accumulate along the gum line and host the bacteria that lead to gum disease.
Looking for Gum Disease at Your Dental Checkup
Speaking of gum disease, our hygienist will measure and chart the depth of gum pockets around your teeth. Pockets that measure more than four centimeters deep can be a sign of gum disease. Other signs include red and swollen gum tissue, bleeding gums and bad breath. If found early at one of your regularly scheduled checkups, then gum disease can sometimes be halted with a more stringent at-home oral hygiene routine. Left to advance, this bacterial infection compromises your oral health and may lead to bodily illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and dementia.
Finding Tooth Decay during a Dental Exam
During the examination portion of your checkup, we’ll also closely examine your teeth for signs of decay. A soft or sticky spot may indicate the start of a cavity. Annual digital x-rays can help us detect decay as well, especially between your teeth or just below the surface. A small cavity can be easily treated with a tooth-colored filling made of composite resin material.
Oral Cancer Screening
Another important component of your dental checkup is an oral cancer screening. Like many other cancers, oral cancer has early warning signs—a mouth sore that won’t heal, a lump or thickening of tissue, a white or red patch. We check for these, because when found early, oral cancer is treatable and often curable.
Call Your Norman Dentist Office Today
If you or anyone else in your family is due for a dental checkup, then contact the office of Dr. Carmen, the dentist Norman, Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond trust for complete dental care.