Dental Exams & Cleanings

Chicago, Illinois

Dental exams and cleanings, proudly offered by Bristle Dental Studio, are integral components of preventive dental care. If it's been some time since you've seen a dentist or if you're preparing for your first appointment, here's what you can expect!

What Happens During a New Patient Dental Exam?

Your first visit to our office includes a detailed and extensive evaluation of every aspect of your oral health to provide a baseline for future recommendations and treatment plans. Before we start your comprehensive exam, we will discuss your dental and medical history as well as current concerns.

Here's what you can expect during your new patient comprehensive dental exam:

  • Digital Dental X-Rays: Full mouth x-rays help uncover problems not visible during a physical exam. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series of x-rays every three years.
  • Tooth By Tooth Examination: We will evaluate the health of each tooth and determine the condition of your enamel to see if you are at risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. We will also examine your restorations to ensure they are functional and free of damage.
  • Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation: We will evaluate your gum health to rule out gum inflammation or infection, which can result in a host of oral and overall health conditions. Early detection of gum disease ensures the best treatment outcomes.
  • Bite Analysis: We will evaluate your bite (occlusion) to rule out any abnormalities. Bite problems, left untreated, can result in complications, including excessive tooth wear, loose teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
  • Oral Cancer Screening: We will evaluate your oral cavity and the surrounding muscles to rule out abnormalities. Oral cancer has an excellent chance for a complete cure when identified and treated early on.

What Happens During and After a Routine Preventive Dental Exam?

Similar to your new patient exam, we will thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your oral health and take dental x-rays, as needed, to visualize any potential problems. We may also clean your teeth to lower your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Routine dental exams are necessary to prevent the onset and progression of dental disease for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

After completing your dental exam and cleaning, we will discuss our findings to allow you to make informed decisions about your dental care. We will create a customized treatment plan, including any immediate needs or preventive procedures you require for ongoing oral health.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Cleanings?

Keeping up with your twice-a-year dental cleanings is one of the most effective ways to prevent many dental concerns, including tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, and bad breath (halitosis). Your visit will also allow our dentist or hygienist to detect any problem areas that require attention.

Maintaining your oral health will directly impact your overall health. Studies show that gum disease increases the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and pregnancy problems.

What Happens During a Routine Dental Cleaning Appointment?

Routine dental cleanings, also known as dental prophylaxis, are the regular cleanings you have every six months to maintain your healthy smile. Our hygienist will use an instrument called a scaler to scrape away plaque and tartar deposits from around and under your gum line and in between your teeth. We will use a high-powered toothbrush and gritty toothpaste to remove some surface stains and will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining plaque or food particles. We may recommend a fluoride treatment, if needed, to strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to decay.

Dental Exams and Cleanings Near Me

We, at Bristle Dental Studio in Chicago, IL invite you to schedule your new patient or routine preventive dental exam and dental cleanings to keep dental disease at bay. Our outstanding team is here to support your oral health every step of the way!

Call our office at 312.620.7733 to book your appointment or request one online today!

Ready to get started? Let's do it.

Our dedicated team is excited to welcome you into our family! Contact us to schedule an appointment today to get on track to a healthier, more confident smile!