Dental Exams & Cleanings

New Patient Exam: During a new patient exam, we conduct a comprehensive dental evaluation, which serves as a baseline for future dental care. We typically capture digital X-rays, examine your teeth for signs of decay or damage, and check your gums for signs of periodontal disease. We also conduct oral cancer screenings to rule out any abnormalities. After your new patient exam, Dr. Birk will work with you to create a treatment plan outlining any needed restorative treatments and preventive measures to maintain optimal oral health.

Regular Dental Exams: Regular dental exams are similar to new patient exams. Dr. Birk will capture digital X-rays to uncover any underlying conditions, evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, and recommend treatment, as necessary, to address any oral health concerns that surface between dental visits. Dr. Birk always recommends the most conservative treatments possible to keep you smiling your best. Regular dental exams help prevent problems from progressing, helping you avoid the need for more complex and invasive treatments.

Professional Dental Cleaning: If you have healthy gums, you will need a professional cleaning, which involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line. We use an ultrasonic scaler to provide a comfortable dental cleaning experience. We may also recommend topical fluoride application to keep cavities at bay. Keeping up with your regular, twice-yearly cleanings can lower the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Scaling and Root Planing: If we see warning signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep dental cleaning known as scaling and root planing. It involves gently removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line. Next, we will clean and smooth out the tooth roots to promote healing and gum tissue reattachment. Scaling and root planing can often reverse early gum disease, known as gingivitis, and prevent periodontal disease from progressing.