Dental checkups

Regular checkups are important for maintaining your dental health and reducing your potential for large dental problems. The American Dental Association recommends that you see the dentist at least twice a year. We prefer 3-4 times a year for adults because destructive bacteria re-form in three months and cleanings will disrupt them.

At your dental checkup, Dr. Maron and his hygiene team perform the following treatments:

• Dental cleanings and digital x-rays—Our hygienists inspect the gums and bone around the teeth for periodontal disease. They scale the teeth to remove calculus (tartar) from below the gum line, smooth rough surfaces where plaque builds up, and polish the teeth. They also take multiple measurements of the gum around each tooth to ensure early detection of gum disease.
  
  The hygienists take x-rays every two years to detect new dental problems such as decay, abscesses, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. Our digital x-rays require a lower level of radiation than traditional x-rays, making them safer.

• Dental exam, including head and neck exam and oral cancer screening—After the hygienist cleans your teeth, Dr. Maron inspects the teeth for tooth decay or cracks and assesses the condition of old dental work. For children, Dr. Maron checks to see if the new teeth are erupting. He examines every patient’s face, neck, lips, tongue, pharynx, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. He checks for enlarged thyroid glands, swollen lymph glands, enlarged salivary glands, and any tissue abnormality inside the mouth. Dr. Maron's oral cancer screenings have been instrumental in saving patient lives by detecting cancer in its earliest stages when it is most easily treated.

For more information, see our FAQs on oral health care.