How routine exams and cleanings protect the health and beauty of your teeth and gums
Oral problems like dental decay and tooth disease are among the most common health conditions affecting youth and adults alike near us in Atlanta and worldwide. Fortunately, these diseases are also highly preventable when detected and cared for properly and promptly.
As a practice that is proactive in preventative dentistry, Tooth Architect Dental Care serves families in Sandy Springs and beyond with comprehensive exams and thorough cleanings. Often, these periodic visits are all that is necessary to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. When oral health is maintained, the function that supports the rest of your body is also sustained. The beauty of your smile is also retained, which feeds into good mental and emotional health and overall well-being.
What to expect – the exam
During your regular exam, Dr. Shiva Talebi looks for potential signs of problems with your teeth, gums, jaws, and other oral tissues and structures. Early-stage enamel erosion and gum inflammation often are “silent” or asymptomatic. If symptoms are present, they may be easy to ignore or miss. It is critical for Dr. Talebi to use her skills, and expertise to ensure nothing is missed and allowed to progress. After noticeable problems have presented themselves, irreversible damage may have already occurred.
As part of a regular oral cancer screening, Dr. Talebi will also look for potential suspicious lumps, bumps, and other anomalies. Mouth and throat cancers have a high survival rate when detected and treated during their localized or early stages (before they have spread).
Advanced technologies like digital X-ray imaging also play a starring role in accurately diagnosing the cause of problems by allowing the dentist to see and isolate conditions that cannot be identified with the eyes or by touch alone.
What to expect – professional cleanings
Dr. Talebi is accompanied in this mission of early diagnosis and interventions by a skilled team of dental hygienists. Our experienced, kind, and gentle hygienists remove surface stains, bacteria, and plaque build-up (tartar) from the teeth and at the gum line. Doing so keeps your teeth looking healthy and your breath smelling fresh and free of halitosis! They also help to minimize your risk of developing decay and gum disease by removing those substances that are responsible for the break-down of tooth structure and gingival and bony tissues; notably, bacteria, plaque, and stubborn tartar that cannot be removed with OTC toothbrushes and products alone.
If a team member finds that damage to your gums has already occurred, we may recommend a nonsurgical “deep cleaning” called scaling and root planing to encourage healing and promote healthy tissue reattachment.
Routine exams and cleanings are also great opportunities for us to help you step up your home care routine. We may recommend special floss threaders or interdental brushes or demonstrate ways to better clean hard-to-reach spaces. Likewise, these visits are great times to discuss or even apply professional preventive dental sealants and sports mouthguards. If you are due for your check-up or have a concern or question, call Tooth Architect Dental Care at (404) 666-8066 or simply drop by our office in Sandy Springs, GA, today.