Routine visits to our dental office located in Encino are an important part of dental health. These visits include a professional cleaning and a thorough exam.
What does the cleaning entail?
During the professional cleaning, we work hard to make sure that you have a healthy smile.
This cleaning is very important because we accomplish more than you can with your toothbrush at home. We will remove tartar and plaque in order to prevent periodontal disease, decay, and other abnormalities. We also polish your teeth. A variety of dental tools are used to accomplish a professional cleaning. In some cases, a more thorough but still conservative cleaning is needed in order to treat gum disease. This is a deeper cleaning where the dentist will have to remove the build-up from underneath the gums, typically known as scaling and root planing. This more invasive cleaning may be performed for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease.
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What does the exam entail?
After your teeth are cleaned, they will be examined by our Encino dentist for any signs of dental diseases or issues. For new patients and at regular intervals, we use digital x-rays to help us get a better picture of what is going on inside your mouth and to check for changes from your last visit. We look for things like overbite, bone disease, root decay, TMJ disorders and any abnormalities, as well as your risk of developing many different kinds of oral problems.
Why do I need a professional teeth cleaning?
While patients can still take care of their smile in-between recall visits with brushing and flossing, there may be areas of the smile that are susceptible to the buildup of plaque, tartar, or even bacteria that may contribute to tooth decay or periodontal disease. By working regularly with a dentist and having cleanings performed during biannual appointments, patients can rest easy knowing that their smile is healthy and free from oral health concerns. During professional cleanings, the dental team can also assess the smile and look further into other issues that may developing within the smile. This form of preventative care can ensure a beautiful, healthy smile for life!
How often should I visit the dentist for a cleaning and exam?
We strongly recommend that you come and see our dentist in Encino at least once every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. This is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and to catch any potential problems early. If you have any dental issues, such as gum disease, you may need to come more frequently. You can also contact our dental office in Encino for any type of dental emergency, such as a lost tooth, inflamed gums, or tooth and jaw pain or damage.
Oral cancer examinations
Another concern patients need to be aware of is that of oral cancer. Oral cancer is a type of cancer that is often visible within the smile as a sore or area of unusual soft tissue. During a physical evaluation with Dr. Sheila Mahooti, patients may also undergo an oral cancer screening. Our professionals will examine the soft tissues within the mouth, including the tongue, to see if there are any indications of a concern. If there is an area that may be a possible sign of a problem, patients may undergo a biopsy to further evaluate a soft tissue sample for signs of cancerous cells. Early diagnosis and intervention is best for addressing oral cancer. Read more about oral cancer
Contact our Encino dentist today to find out how we can help you get a clean and healthy smile. At our practice, Dr. Sheila Mahooti and her team are dedicated to offering patients preventative care solutions. Additionally, the practice is equipped to offer general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for individuals in and around the area of Encino. Call our friendly front office team at (818) 600-1884 to book an appointment at 5363 Balboa BLVD. #325 to discuss this and other oral health care solutions available!
