Your “Routine Cleaning”
is Not Routine Here!
We want you to feel that your recall (check-up and cleaning) visit is as important
as your other dental treatment visits. Your continuing-care visit includes many
services that are extremely important for your long-term oral health. We don’t take
these services for granted and we hope you don’t either.
The examination (check-up) portion of your recall visit includes a health history
update and a soft-tissue/oral cancer screening. Your dentist will: examine your
bite and your TMJ (temporomandibular joint); examine your entire mouth and look
for any signs of disease, particularly caries (decay) and periodontal (gum) disease;
prescribe any necessary films so that we can see the 75% of your mouth that we can’t
see by looking directly in your mouth; and discuss these films with you before your
visit is over. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you feel necessary.
The prophylxis (cleaning) portion of your recall visit will be provided by your
hygiene team members in conjunction with your dentist. Your team member may start
with an “air polisher” (an air, water, and flavored baking soda spray) to remove
stains and soften deposits. Your team member will, of course, polish and floss to
remove any remaining stains and give you that “freshly polished” feeling. We use
a 1.64% fluoride solution in our polishing paste for everyone, not only because
it strengthens the teeth against decay but also because it has a proven anti-bacterial
effect, which helps to prevent periodontal disease. So you see, not only children,
but also adults get fluoride treatments in our practice. No matter what your age,
you will be given personalized home care instructions and, at your discretion, a
final mouthwash.
Your dentist will recommend the best recall interval for your dental needs - usually
3, 4, 6 or 12 months. Remember, the six-month interval is not ideal for many patients.
We want your recall visit to be a pleasant, personally rewarding experience. As
always, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available at no charge for your comfort
and relaxation. Please help us by notifying us if we fail to meet your comfort expectations.
