Exams and Cleanings in San Diego, CA
Along with brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once, it’s essential to visit our dentist at bliss dental arts every six months. These biannual visits allow our dentist to examine your teeth to look for cavities, damage and clean them to remove excess plaque and tartar. These exams and cleanings in San Diego, CA help keep your smile healthy.
What Happens During an Exam?
During an examination, our dentist near you will carefully examine the condition of your teeth. They look for signs of plaque and tartar, which causes dental decay and damage to teeth. If plaque and tartar are present, Dr. Shervin will note the location to remove it during the cleaning.
Dr. Shervin also examines the gums to check if they are receding from the teeth or showing signs of pocketing. When the gums recede or form pockets around the roots, this can indicate periodontal disease. Gum disease can lead to losing teeth, so our dentist will begin treating it at the appointment with a deep cleaning.
Choosing a Dental Cleaning
During exams and cleanings near you, the cleaning our dentist recommends depends on the condition of your teeth and gums. There are four cleanings they choose from:
Prophylaxis Cleaning – A prophylaxis cleaning takes place when a patient’s mouth is healthy. This cleaning maintains your teeth’s health by removing plaque and tartar on or in-between teeth and along the gumline.
Scaling and Root Planing – If a patient has neglected their teeth, plaque and tartar will build up, and there may be cavities or signs of gum disease. Scaling and root planing helps to remove excess plaque, tartar, and other bacteria.
Gross Debridement – This cleaning is often necessary when a patient hasn’t gone to the dentist for several years. It removes plaque and tartar that builds up over time. It is also called deep cleaning.
Periodontal Maintenance – If you have had gum disease, this cleaning maintains the gums after our dentist in San Diego, CA has treated them.
Routine exams and cleanings are crucial for keeping your teeth healthy and your smile intact for the rest of your life. Contact Dr. Shervin at bliss dental arts for your biannual appointments.
FAQ's
How often should I visit for an exam & cleaning?
Most adults benefit from an exam and cleaning every six months to prevent cavities and gum disease. If you have higher risks—like gum issues, dry mouth or systemic health concerns—your dentist may recommend visits every three to four months.
What happens during my exam at Bliss Dental Arts?
During the exam, your dentist reviews your health history, checks your teeth, gums, bite and oral tissues, evaluates for decay, gum disease and signs of other conditions, then discusses findings. The cleaning portion will remove plaque and tartar that your daily brushing can’t reach.
Is the cleaning portion uncomfortable or will I need anaesthesia?
Cleanings are usually quite comfortable and performed without anaesthesia. Your hygienist removes hardened buildup and polishes your teeth. If you have sensitivity or extensive tartar, your dentist may use a mild anaesthetic or take extra care to ensure your comfort.
Why are X-rays sometimes taken during an exam?
X-rays reveal issues beneath the surface—hidden decay, bone loss, or impacted roots—that a visual exam can’t detect. Based on your risk and symptoms, your dentist may recommend updated imaging to monitor these areas and plan timely care when necessary.
How can I prepare before my appointment for an exam and cleaning?
Good preparation is simple—arrive on time, bring any health changes or medication updates, avoid heavy eating right before and mention any sensitivity or pain. At Bliss Dental Arts your dental team will review habits, concerns and provide support for your cleaning visit.
What should I expect after my cleaning session?
You may feel smoother tooth surfaces, fresher breath and minimal sensitivity for a day. Brush gently and use floss as usual. If you experience persistent discomfort, bleeding or sensitivity beyond a day or two, contact your dentist for follow-up.
Will my exam detect issues beyond teeth and gums?
Yes. In addition to teeth and gums, the dentist examines your cheeks, tongue, throat, jaw joints and neck for abnormalities, growths, or signs of systemic health concerns. Addressing these early supports your overall well-being, not just your smile.
Can I change my exam-cleaning frequency if I have very healthy teeth?
Potentially. If you have excellent oral health and low risk factors (no gum disease, no cavities, healthy habits), your dentist may safely extend your interval. Together you’ll review your situation at each visit and customise the schedule to match your needs.
How does professional cleaning support long-term oral health?
Professional cleanings remove plaque and hardened tartar that your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps reduce risks of cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Combined with regular exams, this preventive care saves time, discomfort and expense down the road.
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