(931) 388-4315Teeth Cleaning & Dental Checkups in Columbia, TN
At Goodman Family Dentistry, your dental and oral health is our #1
priority. With this in mind, we recommend scheduling cleanings and checkups
for yourself and all of your family at least twice a year. Some people may
even require more frequent visits if they are prone to gum disease and tooth
decay. Dr. Goodman will determine how
often you should have checkups.
With these regularly scheduled appointments, Dr. Goodman and his team of dental hygienists and dental assistants can spot problems that aren’t yet visible or noticeable. For instance, in its earliest stage, gum disease may not be recognizable to you. One of our trained hygienists, however, can spot the early signs of gingivitis, allowing us to treat the situation early and help you avoid serious oral and general health consequences.
Dental Checkups Columbia Residents Count On
When you come to Goodman Family Dentistry for a dental cleaning and checkup, your appointment will begin with one of our skilled dental hygienists. These professionals are trained to perform an initial examination of your teeth and gums; they’ll also take digital X-rays, which provide a clear visualization of your teeth and the underlying bone structure. Unlike traditional film X-rays that need to be developed in a dark room, digital X-rays are immediately visible on a computer screen next to your chair. Moreover, these X-rays expose patients to almost 90% radiation.
Your hygienist will also ask you a few questions about your overall health and if you’ve started any new medications since your last checkup. For example, there are some heart conditions, such as mitral valve prolapse, that require prophylactic antibiotics before dental treatment. Be sure to let us know about any new health developments.
Of course, your hygienist will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth. We trust that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. However, nothing can beat a professional cleaning. A hygienist can clean hard to reach spots, removing plaque buildup as well as hardened plaque, which is also called tartar. The hygienist will also polish your teeth to remove the last bit of plaque as well as any stains on the surface of your teeth that can discolor your smile.
Components of a Dental Exam
In addition to cleaning and polishing your teeth, we’ll also conduct a complete examination of your gums, which includes charting the depths of gum pockets. Dr. Goodman will look in your mouth and palpate your jaw and neck to find any lump or swelling that may be an early sign of oral cancer. He will also check your occlusion and your temporomandibular joints.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning in Columbia is typically the first part of your routine visits to our office. One of our experienced dental hygienists will give your smile a thorough cleaning, removing plaque, bacteria, and tartar that couldn’t be reached at home. They will polish your smile so that you can leave our office with teeth that look and feel healthy. Lastly, they will floss, carefully removing any lingering debris from in between your smile. This is also a time where they may give you some pro at-home oral healthcare tips.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings
Call to Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup With Us
If you need to schedule a dental cleaning and checkup in Columbia, TN and near Mt. Pleasant, Culleoka, and Spring Hill, contact the office of Dr. Alex Goodman.