Consider Dental Exams and Cleanings for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
Flossing and brushing your teeth daily is the first defense against bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. However, your dental care hygiene is only complete with routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Even if you are meticulous with at-home dental care, you can never be thorough enough to clean all the surfaces of your mouth. Routine dental check-ups complement what you do at home for an all-rounded dental care routine.
Are you due for a dental exam in Riverside, California? Please book an appointment with Neal Edwards DDS. Our dental team looks forward to taking care of your smile and that of your loved ones.
Schedule Your Dental Check-up and Cleaning With Us
If you are ready to keep your smile healthy and beautiful with consistent, professional care, the friendly Neal Edwards, DDS team can help you. Whether it has been six months or several years since your last check-up and cleaning in Riverside, CA, we are ready to welcome you.
What to expect during dental check-ups
It’s easy to tell when you have a visible dental cavity or an obvious tooth crack. However, some dental issues aren’t that apparent. For instance, impacted wisdom teeth, hidden cavities, or gum disease may escape your notice, hence the need for an experienced dentist to examine your mouth.
We recommend seeing a dentist at least twice a year. However, if you are at risk of cavities and gum disease, you should see a dentist sooner. During a dental exam, you should expect the following:
- Visual dental examination:Â Dr. Neal Edwards inspects your mouth with an intra-oral camera or small mirror to look for signs of cavities, gum disease, and failing dental work. Dr. Edwards would recommend corrective treatment if we find you have dental problems
- Digital X-rays:Â Digital X-rays detect hidden cavities, bone loss, jaw misalignment, cysts, tumors, and other abnormalities. Modern X-rays are safe, and you should have them every few years to keep your dental health in great shape
- Oral cancer screening:Â Our dental team examines your lips, gums, tongue, neck, and throat to look out for patches, sores, lumps, and other abnormalities that could indicate the presence of oral cancer. Should we find abnormalities, we recommend a biopsy to confirm or rule out oral cancer
- Dental cleaning:Â We complete your dental exam by performing a professional cleaning (oral prophylaxis). Dental cleaning eliminates plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up in your mouth to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. After scraping away calculus build-up, we floss and polish your teeth to remove surface tooth stains for a stunning smile
Dental Exam and Cleanings FAQs
Are dental cleanings painful?
Our dental hygienist uses gentle tools and techniques to ensure a comfortable experience. Many patients feel only mild pressure or vibration during the procedure. If you have sensitive teeth or gum inflammation, you may experience slight tenderness, but our team works carefully to keep you comfortable throughout your visit. If you are nervous about your treatment, we can improve your experience with sedation.
Does preventive dentistry support my systemic health?
Yes! There is an undeniable link between your oral and systemic health. Preventive dental care helps reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and respiratory infections. Keeping your mouth healthy supports your body as a whole.
Do I need X-rays during every appointment?
X-rays are an invaluable tool that helps your dentist detect hidden dental issues, including impacted teeth, bone loss, interproximal cavities, and cysts. Dental X-rays are ordered on a need basis, based on your oral health needs, age, risk factors, and dental history. They are mostly used for diagnostics, symptom assessment, and treatment planning.
Our office uses the latest X-ray technology, ensuring maximum safety. They emit less than 80-90% radiation compared to conventional X-rays. Still, we use protective aprons and thyroid collars to minimize exposure.
How often should I visit a dentist?
Many patients need dental check-ups at least twice annually. However, patients with a history of gum disease, cavities, or other issues may require more frequent check-ups, usually every 3-4 months. Our dentist will recommend a frequency schedule tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Can you help with bad breath treatment?
We all experience bad breath, especially after waking up or having certain meals. However, if you experience persistent bad breath, even after good oral hygiene, it’s time to seek professional evaluation. Chronic bad breath (halitosis) is often a sign of deeper oral health issues, including tartar buildup, gum disease, dry mouth, and more. Our dentist will assess your oral health and administer targeted treatment to address the root cause, not mask it.
Does insurance cover dental check-ups and cleanings?
Usually, yes. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive dentistry services, including dental cleanings and check-ups. However, coverage varies by plan, so it’s always a good idea to verify your benefits before any treatment begins.
What if I don’t have insurance—what are my options?
We are committed to making your dental care affordable, regardless of your insurance or financial situation. We offer an in-house membership plan that includes preventive care for an affordable, one-off payment. We also accept financing, which allows you to break the treatment cost into affordable installments.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in a while?
You are not alone, and there is no judgment here. Life gets busy, and many people delay or skip dental visits for different reasons. The important thing is taking the first step back toward better oral health. We focus on helping you feel comfortable, informed, and supported as you create a plan to restore and maintain your smile.
How do I schedule a cleaning appointment with my Riverside dentist?
Is it time to schedule your next dental check-up? Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Be proactive about your oral health and schedule your appointment today with Neal Edwards DDS, serving patients from Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Redlands, Norco, and the surrounding areas. Dial (951) 614-0033 or request your appointment online at any time.
