Want Healthy Teeth? Don’t Neglect Your Biannual Dental Exam & Cleaning
One of the best ways to keep your teeth strong and healthy is to partner with your Kalispell dentist for oral care. Routine dental exams and cleanings from Dr. Evan Olson at Alpine Family Dental, Kalispell, MT, can minimize your risk of decay, tooth infections, and dental disease to boost oral health.
Caring for your teeth at home is essential to oral health, but it doesn’t replace your need for professional care. Combining good home oral care with oral prophylaxis services at Alpine Family Dental gives you the best of both worlds in keeping your smile in optimal health. We provide dental exams and cleanings in a relaxing environment with exceptional patient care, keeping in mind how oral health impacts your overall health.
Make your smile all that it can be through routine dental care from Alpine Family Dental. To schedule a dental exam or cleaning at our Kalispell, MT dental clinic, contact our team today at (406) 393-8877. Also serving Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Evergreen, MT.
The Importance of Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings
Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are routine procedures done by dental professionals to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. By visiting your dentist twice a year for dental cleanings, you can keep your smile sparkling and prevent oral health problems from arising. Maintaining optimal oral health is an essential part of preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
You should schedule biannual dental exams so our Alpine Family Dental team can monitor your oral health. Routine checkups make it easier to detect problems early when they’re easier to treat. During an exam, we’ll check your gums and teeth for signs of decay, infection, or gum disease and take X-rays to uncover signs of hidden issues.
A healthy mouth can improve your health by protecting you against medical issues caused by dental infections and gum diseases, such as heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.
Benefits of Routine Dental Visits
Keeping your teeth healthy can be a challenge at any age. At Alpine Family Dental, we make it easy to enjoy good oral health through our comprehensive oral care. Routine dental visits help prevent problems with:
- Chronic bad breath
- Cavities
- Tooth infections
- Gum disease
- Bone loss
- Premature tooth loss and more
Make your smile all that it can be through routine dental care from Alpine Family Dental. To schedule a dental exam or cleaning at our Kalispell, MT, clinic, contact our team today at (406) 393-8877.
Meet Dr. Evan Olson
Dr. Evan Olson, D. ABDSM, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a dentist. He completed his degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University in Bozeman before attending the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
Dr. Olson then practiced in a Community Health setting for five years, treating all types of dental emergencies. He then ran a private practice in Central Oregon for seven years before moving back to Montana to take over Alpine Family Dental.
Dr. Olson was recently named a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, which signifies extensive training and knowledge in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. He is a Fellow of the Implant Pathway Surgical Program, a Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, and a Mentor for the CEREC Doctors training program.
Dr. Olson has completed significant continuing education in many areas of dentistry including with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Mastery Program, training on dental implants at Implant Pathway, Misch Institute, and Pikos Institute, an internship on root canals at the University of Iowa, cosmetic dentistry courses at CDOCS and Spear Education, and further studies on infant frenectomy and CAD/CAM techniques.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are preventive examinations performed by dentists or healthcare providers to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. These screenings are crucial because oral cancers, when caught early, have significantly higher treatment success rates and lower mortality rates.
During a screening, the provider visually examines the inside of the mouth, checking the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, and throat for any abnormalities such as white or red patches, sores that don’t heal, lumps, or unusual textures. They may also physically palpate the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes to feel for unusual masses. These screenings are typically quick, painless, and often incorporated into routine dental check-ups, making them an accessible yet vital tool in early cancer detection and prevention.
Types of Dental Cleanings
There are several types of dental cleanings. Depending on your dental health, our dentist will recommend the best dental cleaning for you.
Routine Dental Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings are the most common and are recommended for those with good oral health. During a regular dental cleaning, our dentist or dental hygienists will remove plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. It’s a quick process that shouldn’t take longer than one hour.
This type of cleaning is typically done twice a year as part of routine dental health care.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is recommended for those with moderate to severe gum disease. During a scaling and root planing treatment, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. They’ll also smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent future buildup.
In many cases, one or two sessions of scaling and root planing can reverse the effects of gum disease and prevent it from progressing into further stages.
Periodontal Maintenance
A periodontal maintenance cleaning is done after scaling and root planing to maintain the health of the gums. During periodontal maintenance, our dentist will remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated since your last deep cleaning. This type of cleaning is typically done every three to four months for patients with gum disease.
Gross Debridement
Gross debridement cleaning isn’t your typical dental cleaning. It’s done to remove plaque and tartar that’s built up too excessively for routine teeth cleaning. This type of dental cleaning is necessary when there’s too much buildup, making it difficult for the dentist to perform a thorough oral examination. The gums may be swollen, and the buildup must be removed before a prophylaxis or dental exam can be completed.
Who Needs Dental Cleanings?
Everyone should receive a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year, even if they have good oral hygiene habits. Even if you brush and floss your teeth well, some areas are hard to clean properly at home. Those areas will often accumulate plaque and tartar, and it should be removed as soon as possible.
Those with underlying dental issues or a history of gum disease may require more frequent teeth cleanings. Our Kalispell, MT dentist will inform you how often you should come in for routine dental cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dental cleanings are typically painless. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity during the cleaning, especially if you have sensitive teeth or gums, but it shouldn’t be painful. Your dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions after the cleaning.
A professional dental cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, the length of your procedure depends on the type of cleaning and the extent of the buildup on your teeth.
Many dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings, but coverage may vary depending on your plan. You should always check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and know about any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.
Visit Our Dentist for Regular Dental Cleanings
Our Kalispell, MT dentist will recommend the best type of dental cleaning for you during your exam. Teeth cleanings, regardless of the type, are essential for maintaining good oral health and avoiding dental problems in the future.
For those in Kalispell, MT, contact our dentist today by calling (406) 393-8877 to schedule your appointment! We also serve Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Evergreen, MT.
