Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exams in Independence, KY
We’ll help you retain a healthy, stunning smile.
At-home brushing and a healthy diet are only part of maintaining your beautiful smile. Regular dental exams & cleanings are vital to preventing decay and disease. No matter how diligent you are about brushing and flossing, cavities could still develop, and they don’t always mark their presence by pain or sensitivity. Dr. Peter will help you keep minor issues from becoming major procedures with pro-active oral care.
The Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Difference
At Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our goal is to provide you with the best possible dental experience. Our staff understands that going to the dentist can be stressful. We try to customize each of our patient’s visit so that they can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience with our dentists. We provide each of our patients with TV, bottled water, and a cozy neck pillow during their teeth cleaning. Our dentists also take the time to get to know their patients and develop a relationship with them. Maybe this is why we have one of the lowest patient turnover rates in Independence, KY and why our patients continue to trust us for their teeth cleaning & exams.
Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings & Dental Exams Important?
Dental cleanings remove and kill bacteria on the teeth which cause tooth decay and gum disease. These teeth cleaning appointments are also an ideal time for a fluoride application for the prevention of tooth decay. The most important thing however is the assessment of the condition of the teeth and gums. Because dental problems don’t usually have symptoms until they have gotten severe, it is very important to have regular dental exams/cleanings to catch any problems early.
Your Teeth Cleaning Visit Will Include the Following:
- Digital X-rays
- Oral Cancer Exam
- Teeth Cleaning
- Home Care
Digital X-Rays
Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry uses digital x-rays, the most current dental-imaging technology. They serve the same purpose as standard x-rays, but reduce radiation exposure by 80-90%. They’re also rendered faster, and are able to be viewed immediately on a computer. Because of this, they can be easily enlarged for better viewing, or conveniently emailed.
Generally, Dr. Peter only needs to take a full set of x-rays every three to five years, and bite-wing x-rays (top and bottom side teeth that bite together) during regularly scheduled check-ups. More x-rays may be required occasionally, depending on individual patient needs.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Early detection and treatment of oral cancer significantly increases the chance for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society reports that more than 10,000 deaths result from oral cancer out of the 53,000 annually diagnosed cases. How many of these deaths could have been avoided with an oral cancer exam and early detection? Oral cancer often doesn’t manifest with the usual signs of cancer, so without a professional screening from Dr. Peter, it can go undetected until it’s in an advanced stage.
Teeth Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings by your hygienist is a vital part of fighting off gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontal disease (gum disease). If you don’t thoroughly remove all the bacteria in your mouth, it will accumulate, motivating gum inflammation. If left untreated, this inflammation can sprout into gum disease. Gum disease causes the gums around your teeth to become lose and degenerate – which will eventually mobilize tooth loss.
Home Care
A bright, beautiful smile begins at home. Your brushing and flossing routines play as much of a role in your dental health as does your diet and lifestyle. Frequent doses of sweets and sugary drinks, along with smoking and alcohol use can increase risk for dental issues and diseases. Cutting back on those vices, along with regular brushing and flossing is imperative to a healthy and happy smile. Dr. Peter can help educate you on effective home-care methods.
Common Questions Our Patients in Independence, KY Ask About or Dental Exams & Cleanings
How Long Does a Dental Exam and Cleaning Take?
For new patients, our staff will typically schedule 90 minutes for your affordable dental cleaning and exam. After your initial visits, our dentists can usually have you in and out of your exam and cleaning after 60 minutes.
How Much Do Exams and Teeth Cleanings Cost?
We offer multiple affordable dental cleaning options. Since we customize treatment for the patient, not everyone needs the same number of x-rays every time, but a typical regular exam, cleaning, and x-rays is approximately $260. Our staff works closely with our patient’s dental insurance provider, so even if we are not in network, we can still file claims for them. Fortunately for you, we are in-network with most major insurance companies.
How Often Should I Get my Teeth Cleaned and Examined?
Most healthy patients only need to be seen every 6 months, however those with gum disease or frequent cavities should be seen every 3-4 months. Patients with diabetes, heart disease, smokers, and pregnant women, are usually recommended to be seen every 3-4 months as well.
Ready to Maintain Your Winning Smile?
Our dentists, oral hygienists, and staff are here to help you maintain your winning smile with our affordable dental cleanings and exams. After experiencing our customized care you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t make the switch to Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry sooner. Schedule your appointment with one of our dentists in Independence, KY today!