Dental Cleanings and Exams

Dental Cleanings With Your Dentist in Lincoln, NE and Why They Matter

Having regular dental cleanings and exams will help keep your mouth healthy. Bi-annual dental cleanings and exams can also detect small problems before they cause great discomfort and become expensive. In many cases, cleanings will allow our dental professionals to see problems before they develop. At cleanings, we’re able to let you know if you need any other work done, or if you should change your habits to prevent other treatments in the future.

Additionally, general dentistry services offer things such as dental cleanings, which are necessary for maintaining the health of your teeth. Even if you are using some of the top dental products at home, and have an excellent brushing and flossing routine, plaque is bound to build up in places that are tough to reach. At your dental cleanings, your dentist will remove this extra plaque to keep it from building up within your mouth. This, along with your dentist’s examination, will also help prevent future problems.

Regular Exams With Our Dentists in Lincoln, NE Include the Following:

Radiograph (X-Ray) Examination – X-rays are essential to help us detect decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss, and can also help determine tooth and root positions. Our X-Ray procedure is almost instant and will give us a wealth of knowledge about your teeth.

Oral Cancer Screening – During your oral cancer screening, your Lincoln, NE dentist will check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. This is another examination feature that takes almost no time at all.

Gum Disease Evaluation – The gum disease evaluation includes checking the gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal disease. Having this done at two dental cleanings per year will prevent gum disease from developing.

Examination of Tooth Decay – During your cleaning, your dentist in Lincoln, NE will also observe and report on any existing tooth decay. Whether you have a lot or a little, your dentist will let you know what should be done to minimize and eliminate tooth decay.

Examination of Existing Restorations – By checking your current restorations, your dentist ensures that existing restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.) are still up to par. If they are, you shouldn’t need to have any of them repaired. Sometimes, however, this exam alerts our team as to any necessary repairs or replacements. If you have old silver fillings and are considering replacement, our team can help answer your questions.

Professional Dental Cleanings

While dental cleaning appointments do include a comprehensive exam, this exam isn’t the cleaning itself. During the cleaning, registered dental hygienists will perform dental prophylaxis, also called a routine dental cleaning. They’ll do so after finishing your comprehensive exam. Our team members will perform the actual cleaning, which consists of a few small procedures. After the dental exam, your cleaning appointment will include the following:

Removal of calculus (tartar) – Calculus, or tartar, is hardened plaque that builds up and attaches to the tooth surface. Calculus naturally forms above and below the gum line. Unfortunately, tartar can only be removed with specific dental instruments. The buildup of plaque without the benefit of dental cleanings can lead to periodontal disease, cavities, and a whole slew of other oral health problems.

Removal of plaque – Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation is especially relevant because it is the start of periodontal disease! It can also lead to inflammation within your body and affect your overall health. No matter how well you take care of your teeth at home, dental cleanings are necessary to remove this plaque and avoid these health problems in the future.

Teeth polishing – Finally, your dentist in Lincoln, NE will polish your teeth. Polishing removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling. It will also help your teeth remain shiny and bright, renewing your confidence in your smile. This is the final step in a dental cleaning before we send you on your way.

The information on this page was written by Dr. Kelly O’Hara.

This gentle Lincoln, NE dentist says: “I perform gentle dentistry for the entire family and focus on children’s dentistry, extreme smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry and placing mercury-free dental fillings. Moreover, I also want to provide a better quality of life to patients who have lost their teeth by making implant retained dentures. I have many goals, but one that is very important to many of us: to keep dentistry affordable by taking all of the primary dental plans and by also offering dental payment plans to patients that seek them. I am fully committed to making sure all patients feel comfortable while in my care.”

You can schedule with this dentist in Lincoln, NE, or her partners, online 24/7 at a Lincoln Family Dentistry Location near you. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Lincoln. Some of the communities include Eagle, Walton, Weeping Water, Avoca, and many more!

Annual Plan Benefits
For Lincoln Dental Plans

All X-rays
Comprehensive Exam
2 Emergency Exams
2 Routine Dental Cleanings (Every 12 Months)
25% Discount on Select Procedures

LDP offers discounts on the following procedures:

Regular Cleanings
Deep Cleanings
Periodontal Maintenance
Dental Crowns (Excludes Cosmetic Crowns)
White Fillings
Root Canals
Professional Teeth Whitening
Night Guards

Learn More about Lincoln Dental Plans Membership