Dental Exams and Cleanings In Pearl, MS
Keeping Your
Maintaining good oral health is essential for a confident smile and well-being. At Mint Dental in Pearl, MS, Dr. Alexa Lampkin and her team are dedicated to providing top-notch dental cleanings and comprehensive exams to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. Regular visits to our dental office in Pearl, MS, can help prevent dental issues and detect potential problems early, saving you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Call our dental practice near you in Pearl at (601) 882-5600 to schedule your checkup today with our Pearl general dentist! We proudly serve patients from Brandon, Richland, Jackson, and all surrounding areas with comprehensive oral care solutions.
What Is a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is a professional procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. This routine treatment is designed to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. At Mint Dental, our dental cleanings are thorough and gentle, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and revitalized.
Dental cleanings at our Pearl dental office are typically recommended twice a year for most patients, although some individuals may require more frequent visits based on their oral health needs. Our Pearl dentist will assess your specific situation and recommend an appropriate cleaning schedule to maintain your oral health.
What Happens
During Dental
Cleaning?
When you visit Mint Dental in Pearl, MS, you can expect a comprehensive process that includes several steps:
Examination
Before the cleaning begins, our dental hygienist will examine your mouth for any visible signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
The hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from your teeth, including hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line, using specialized tools.
Professional Flossing
The hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris and assess the health of your gums.
Polishing
Your teeth will be polished using a gritty toothpaste-like substance and a high-powered electric brush, which helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth.
Fluoride Treatment
A fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen your tooth enamel and protect against decay.
Education and Advice
Dr. Lampkin or the hygienist will provide personalized advice on improving your at-home oral care routine and address any concerns you may have.
Why Are Dental Exams Important?
Regular dental exams at Mint Dental are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing potential issues from developing into more serious problems. Our Pearl general dentist conducts thorough dental exams to assess your oral health and identify any areas of concern.
Dental exams can help:
- Detect tooth decay early, allowing for less invasive treatments
- Identify gum disease in its initial stages when it’s more easily treatable
- Spot signs of oral cancer or other abnormalities
- Evaluate the need for orthodontic treatment or other dental procedures
- Monitor existing dental work, such as fillings, crowns, or implants
- Assess your bite and jaw alignment
- Identify potential systemic health issues that may manifest in the mouth
During your dental exam at our Pearl dental practice, Dr. Lampkin will carefully examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. She may also take X-rays to get a more detailed view of your teeth and jaw structure, allowing her to detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Oral Cancer Screenings
As part of your comprehensive dental exam at Mint Dental, Dr. Lampkin performs oral cancer screenings. These screenings are vital for early detection of oral cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Lampkin will:
- Visually inspect your face, neck, lips, and mouth for any signs of abnormalities
- Feel the tissues in your mouth and neck for any lumps or unusual textures
- Use specialized tools to examine less visible areas of your mouth and throat
- Discuss any symptoms or changes you may have noticed
If any suspicious areas are found, Dr. Lampkin may recommend further testing or a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. Regular oral cancer screenings at our Pearl dental office are an essential part of maintaining your health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most patients in Pearl and surrounding areas, we recommend comprehensive dental exams every six months. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, our Pearl dentists might recommend more frequent visits. Regular exams help us catch potential issues early, saving you time and discomfort down the road.
For new patients at our Pearl dental practice, initial comprehensive exams typically take about 60-90 minutes. Regular checkup exams for established patients usually take 45-60 minutes. We value efficiency, but never rush your care at our Pearl location.
Absolutely! Our dental practice in Pearl provides dental care for patients of all ages. We recommend bringing children for their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting.
We recommend brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and maintaining a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods. Our dental team in Pearl can provide personalized advice on improving your at-home oral care routine.