Exams and cleanings

A check-up is a cleaning, an exam and, when needed, X-rays, so problems are found while they are still small. Read about preventive dentistry and gum disease treatments, and see what to bring on the FAQs page. At Southern York Smile Care a cleaning is a full hour, which leaves time to check the gums around every tooth, talk through anything you have noticed and answer questions, not just polish. Digital X-rays use far less radiation than film, and an intraoral camera shows you on a screen what the dentist sees. Most people need a check-up every six months; people with gum disease, diabetes or a history of decay may need to come more often. The articles here cover how often to visit, what the hygienist is looking for, why bleeding gums matter, and the brushing and flossing habits that make the next visit shorter. If it has been years since your last cleaning, that is fine: the first visit simply starts with a fuller exam. New patients are welcome at the Shrewsbury office, including those who have been away from the dentist for a long time.