When you visit your dentist (hopefully, at least twice a year), are you proud of the state of your teeth? Routine dental cleaning and checkup appointments are like a test for how well you’ve taken care of your teeth. Drs. Hakimzadeh and Reyhani can look closely for signs of trouble that you won’t be able to see on your own, and can clean your teeth more thoroughly than your toothbrush and floss can. The feeling of freshness after leaving your dental cleaning is exceptional, but more importantly, it means that your teeth and oral tissues are safe again, for the time being.
Cleanliness Equals Good Health
You can’t eliminate the harmful germs in your mouth, but you can control their numbers and the sticky plaque they form to protect themselves. When they grow out of control, certain oral bacteria produce substances, like acids and toxins, that contribute to cavity and gum disease development. When used correctly, your toothbrush and floss do the brunt of cleaning plaque on and between your teeth, but you may still be prone to missing a spot now and then. Given time, plaque hardens into tartar, which you can’t remove at home. Only the professional tools and expertise of your dentist can adequately remove tartar and the bacteria they protect.
Looking Beyond Your Teeth
In addition to visually inspecting your teeth, we utilize advanced imaging technology, including digital X-rays and other diagnostic tools, to gain a clearer picture of your teeth and oral tissues. For instance, DIAGNOdent—a detection tool that allows us to spot the signs of enamel erosion before cavities can fully develop—can help you prevent cavity formation and the destruction of your tooth. We’ll also look for signs of inflammation and gum disease, which may cost you one or more teeth if not treated promptly.
In some cases, a dental cleaning and checkup can help save your life. Besides looking for common dental issues, Drs. Hakimzadeh and Reyhani will also look for abnormalities that might indicate oral cancer. When detected early, oral cancer is often successfully treated; however, if allowed to metastasize before being detected, the survival rate plummets.
About Your Downey Implant Dentists:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health and function and help them enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.
