Dental Exams and Cleanings: Why They Are So Important By Dr. Charlie Porter on November 21, 2014

A smiling woman gives a thumbs upDr. Charles A. Porter III has been helping patients throughout the greater Charlotte area get the smile of their dreams. While cosmetic and restorative procedures are an important part of this, general dentistry is the cornerstone of good dental care, allowing for preventative procedures to be performed as well as essential services that make your smile its healthiest.

Regular Dental Visits Can Make a Major Difference

Visiting the dentist every six months can make a major difference to your overall dental health and wellness. You may not even realize it. A dentist does so much to enhance your dental health, performing cleanings and providing services that simply cannot be done at home. These services will treat current dental problems and also help prevent more serious issues down the road.

Taking X-Rays to Examine Structural Issues

X-rays are a common part of dental visits. These are taken so that dentists are able to analyze the internal structures of a tooth as well as the jawbone and other parts of the mouth. By doing this, problems that are not visible on the surface can be identified and addressed.

A Professional Cleaning and Polishing

A professional cleaning offers greater care and attention that you give give yourself at home. A dental hygienist will polish your teeth with an electric brush and will also floss your teeth. This allows the hard to reach and access places of your smile to get the attention they deserve. Your dentist will also use a scraper to get rid of any built up tarter or plaque.

Checking the Teeth and Gums

Once the teeth are cleaned, your dentist will then check the teeth and gums for any problems that are immediately visible. This will allow for the identification of tooth decay and gum disease or gum recession as well as any lesions that may be the sign of another health issue.

Discussing Concerns About Your Dental Health

During your dental visit, you will also be able to discuss any health issues that are not readily apparent. This includes dry mouth, problems with persistent/chronic bad breath, jaw pain, lockjaw, and so forth. Be sure to make these issues known to your dentist as they may be the sign of a more serious dental problem of general wellness issue that we can address.

Making Plans for Future Dental Treatments

Regular checkups are a way to plan for future dental health needs. Your dentist will go over any additional care that is required, making sure that you are prepared for a future procedure and know the risks and benefits that you may face.

Giving You Tips for Improving Dental Hygiene and Wellness

In addition to all of the above, your dentist will provide you with helpful tips to improve the overall quality of your dental hygiene and dental wellness at home. This includes knowing what kinds of dental care products to buy and what foods and beverages to be wary about.

Schedule a Dental Visit Today

To schedule a dental visit and have your dental health greatly enhanced, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Porter and the entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve exceptional dental health and wellness.

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Dr. Porter

Charles A. Porter III, DDS and Robert E. Porter, DDS

Dr. Charles Porter implements the latest developments and highest standards in dentistry. Now working alongside their father, Dr. Robert Porter and Dr. Rebecca Wilson earned their DDS degrees in 2020 and 2024. Our doctors are members of several prestigious organizations, including the:

  • American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • North Carolina Dental Society

To schedule your consultation, contact our Charlotte office online or call us at (704) 364-9000.

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