Taking the necessary steps now to keep your mouth healthy means you’ll need less dental work later on. At his San Mateo County practice in Menlo Park and Belmont, California, experienced dentist Dr. Alok Arora, DMD, and his team members provide patients of all ages with thorough dental exams and cleanings that enhance the benefits of at-home oral hygiene and help to detect diseases before they become serious problems. To book a cleaning and exam, call the nearest office or use the convenient online booking tool.
When you come in for a dental checkup with Dr. Arora, you’ll receive both a cleaning and an exam. The cleaning consists of the following:
First, the hygienists remove tartar, or “calculus,” which is hardened plaque that over time becomes stuck to the surface of your teeth. It’s only possible to remove tartar using special dental instruments called scalers.
After removing any tartar, the hygienists continue using a scaler to get rid of more recently formed plaque, which consists of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. This plaque inflames your gums if left untreated.
The final stage of your cleaning involves using a rotating brush with toothpaste to get at any stains and plaque that remain.
In addition to brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day, getting routine dental cleanings is an important step in preventing the onset of tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition to a cleaning, your checkup with Dr. Arora will include a comprehensive dental exam, consisting of:
You’ll receive a full set of X-rays, which allow Dr. Arora to look at the positions of your teeth and roots and check for signs of decay, cavities, tumors, cysts, or bone loss.
Dr. Arora examines your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Dr. Arora examines the gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Using special dental instruments, Dr. Arora will check your teeth for decay to determine if you need any follow-up restoration work.
If you have any existing restoration work, such as fillings, crowns, implants, or bridges, Dr. Arora makes sure they’re still in good shape.
If you’re at significant risk for tooth decay, sealants and fluoride treatment can make a big difference in keeping your teeth healthy, no matter your age.
Sealants coat your back teeth, providing a layer of protection for your molars and premolars, which have deep grooves that are hard to clean. Applying topical fluoride can strengthen your teeth if you do not receive enough fluoride to prevent decay.
Dr. Arora also offers sedation dentistry if you have a great deal of anxiety about going to the dentist. To schedule a dental cleaning and exam, call Dr. Alok Arora, DMD, with offices in Menlo Park and Belmont, California, or use the online booking feature.
