Family Dentistry

Dental Exams & Cleanings in Lincroft

Dental Exams & Cleanings in Lincroft

Regular checkups have two components: the cleaning and the examination. This is under family dentistry. During your examination, Dr. David Herman will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other maxillofacial features. This gives our dentist in Lincroft a baseline of your oral health and allows him to determine the best course of treatment.

The staff hygienist will thoroughly scale, clean, and polish your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This not only helps remove cavity-causing bacteria, but also leaves you with a sparkling-clean smile!

To schedule an exam and cleaning, contact Shore Smiles today!

Dental Exams & Cleanings - Lincroft NJ

What to Expect with Your Checkup

Depending on how long it has been since your last visit and other considerations, your checkup may include:

Digital X-rays. Dental issues are not always apparent with a visual examination. Digital dental X-rays help identify issues such as cavities, cysts, bone loss, tumors, and positioning.

Oral cancer screening. Today, dentists are at the forefront of maxillofacial health. During your checkup, Dr. Herman will examine your throat, cheeks, gums, neck, and lips for signs of cancerous and precancerous cells.

Gum disease evaluation. Untreated gum disease can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Dr. Herman will check your gums for signs of gum disease or inflammation (gingivitis).

Examination of past interventions. The Shore Smiles Dental team will perform a full check of existing crowns, fillings, sealants, and other past treatments to ensure these are still functioning as they should.

Cosmetic dentistry consultation. Are you embarrassed by stained, chipped, or crooked teeth? During your checkup, Dr. Herman can answer your questions and offer cosmetic recommendations to improve the appearance of your teeth.

No insurance? No problem.

An estimated 25% of American adults forego treating tooth decay due to a lack of insurance or funds. Shore Smiles Dental offers a number of options for those with little income or no insurance. Ask how we can put your oral health goals within reach.

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Dental Cleanings

Attending regular dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) is a key part of maintaining your oral health. During your checkup, a registered dental hygienist will perform the following (when applicable):

  • Calculus (tartar) removal. Calculus (tartar) commonly forms along the gum line and between teeth but can also appear on the surface of teeth and gums. Calculus, if left untreated, can lead to gum disease, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and a range of diseases not limited to the teeth and gums. Removing calculus requires the tools and expertise of a dental hygienist.
  • Plaque removal. Plaque, or “biofilm,” is made up of saliva, bacteria, and broken-down food particles. While most plaque is removed with twice-daily brushing and flossing, plaque can be left behind in those hard-to-reach areas (along the gum line and between teeth). The bacteria found in plaque feed on microscopic bits of food and excretes acidic toxins that cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) and tooth decay.
  • Tooth polishing. Tooth polishing achieves stain- and plaque-removing results that are hard to duplicate at home. Polishing also smooths the surfaces of your teeth, making them easier to clean.
  • Medical and nutritional counseling. Overwhelming evidence now supports a correlation between oral health and general health. We will perform a blood pressure screening during your examination to learn more about your health in general. The dental hygienist or dentist may also discuss the role diet plays on your oral health.
Dental Exams & Cleanings

I regularly brush and floss. Why do I need a dental exam and cleaning?

Like most patients, you're probably wondering why dental exams and cleanings are recommended — especially since you likely brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Think of this the next time you consider skipping your dental appointment… even dentists attend regular checkups. They may be professionals and have a thorough understanding of dental health, but they still see value in objective evaluations and thorough cleanings.

If it’s been a while since you last sat in the dentist’s chair, schedule a checkup with Shore Smiles Dental, today!

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