When you arrive at Bruner Dental Center for a dental checkup and cleaning, you’ll first see one of our skilled hygienists. These dental professionals expertly perform the initial examination of your teeth and gums. This step includes looking for the early warning signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
Using a small probe, the hygienist checks for soft spots in tooth enamel that may indicate the start of a cavity. Once a year we’ll take digital x-rays to find decay that cannot readily be seen because it is below the enamel surface or developing between two teeth.
Gum disease is an easily overlooked bacterial infection. Obvious signs include swollen and bleeding gum tissue, receding gums and sensitive teeth. However, to find gum disease even before these symptoms are noticeable, the hygienist will chart the dept of your gum pockets. Enlarged pockets may indicate the presence of periodontal disease.
Another important component of your dental checkup is the oral cancer screening, especially for our patients who are senior citizens. Although oral cancer is responsible for one American death every hour of every day, the disease is highly treatable and curable when found early. During this screening, we look for lesions on soft tissue, a lump or swollen area in your mouth and we also palpate your jaw and neck.
Request an AppointmentDental Cleanings
Believe it or not, a dental cleaning can be a very enjoyable part of your biannual visit to our dental office. Just think about how clean and fresh your mouth feels afterward! Our hygienists use a special rotating brush and fluoride toothpaste in the flavor of your choosing to clean all the surfaces of your teeth. We know that you brush well at home, but there are likely some spots that are difficult to clean well. In addition, we’ll floss between your teeth to remove plaque and clear away bits of tartar (calcified plaque) that are stuck on teeth. Both of these are the precursors to gum disease, so removal is an important step in maintaining healthy gums.
Contact Bruner Dental today to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning for you or any member of the family! We welcome new patients from Marion, Gas City, and beyond.