Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Pasadena, TX

Why is it Important to Get Regular Checkups and Cleanings?

Many people don’t understand why it’s necessary to visit their dentist every six months when they brush and floss their teeth at home. There are a few reasons that getting professional checkups and cleanings are absolutely necessary in order to maintain your oral health, including:

• Prevent tartar and plaque buildup.
• Detect oral cancer early.
• Diagnose and treat gum disease before it becomes more severe.
• Keep bad oral habits under control.
• Find hidden problems with digital X-rays.

On top of all of this, most dental insurance providers include two free examinations with your dentist every six months to prevent oral health problems from becoming worse. Although we would all like to think that cavities and toothaches disappear on their own, that’s often not the case. The longer you leave an issue untreated, the more pain it will cause you, which is why preventive care is so necessary. After all, a simple filling is much easier and less of a hassle than root canal therapy. You’ll feel great once you leave our office after your visit, especially knowing that you have a clean bill of health and minty fresh breath.

What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

At Huy P. Nguyen, DDS of Pasadena, we understand that our patients have busy schedules, which is why we take pride in being punctual. When you first walk in, if you’re a new patient, we’ll have you fill out any necessary paperwork and get your insurance information. After that, we’ll guide you back to our treatment room, where you’ll meet one of our experienced dental hygienists and Dr. Nguyen.

We’ll ask you questions about your family dental health to determine whether we need to be keeping an eye out for an issue that runs in your family. Plus, because your mouth is so intertwined with the rest of your bodily functions, we’ll also update and look at your medical history.

If it has been awhile since your last digital X-ray, or if Dr. Nguyen believes you need one, we’ll take images of your mouth. Typically, we’ll only do this about once every year. We’ll examine the health of your teeth and gums, looking for any common symptoms of cavities or infections. After conducting a quick oral cancer screening, it’ll be time for your cleaning.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

We use special tools, including a scaler, dental mirror, and polisher, to clear every nook and cranny of your mouth. Removing plaque and tartar prevents harmful oral bacteria from accumulating, keeping problems from developing. We’ll finish up your appointment by flossing and polishing your teeth with a prophylaxis paste. This is a mildly gritty substance that helps break apart surface stains on your teeth, leaving a beautiful, clean, and bright smile in its place.

If it has been longer than you can remember since you’ve had a dental checkup and cleaning, be sure to schedule an appointment with us today! Our team will take care of you, make you feel comfortable, and help you optimize your oral hygiene routine so you can enjoy your natural pearly whites for decades to come.