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Dental Services:
Dental Cleaning and Exam
Emergency Dentist of Portland, Gresham, Happy Valley, Milwaukie
EMERGENCY DENTIST OF PORTLAND, GRESHAM, HAPPY VALLEY, MILWAUKIE
works with patients of all ages and knows how to help children to feel comfortable while visiting the dentist.
Families throughout PORTLAND OREGON visit our dentist's office to have their children’s teeth cleaned. We recommend that teeth cleanings and exams start from a very young age.
This is important for ensuring that baby teeth grow in properly and stay healthy until the adult teeth are ready to come in. Many people don’t realize how important healthy baby teeth are. Children can get cavities and gum disease just like adults do with the difference being that children are less capable of understanding or dealing with discomfort. We recommend that parents bring their children in for dental cleanings and examinations at least twice a year. This way we can remove harmful plaque and bacteria in order to prevent cavities.
While cleaning children’s teeth, our staff has been trained to take it slowly and practice gentle dentistry. By building a rapport with our young patients, they will feel more relaxed during their dental appointments, and visiting the dentist becomes fun instead of intimidating. We also recommend that parents take the time to read stories about going to the dentist and play games by teaching children how to examine their toy’s teeth. These little steps can help children to feel comfortable when getting their own teeth cleaned. By doing so twice a year, their baby teeth are more likely to stay in until they are supposed to fall out, and their adult teeth will also stay healthier.
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
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Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
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Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
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Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
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Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
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Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
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Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
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Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
