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Skipping dental visits for a few years may not seem like a big deal at first. But cavities, gum disease, and hardened tartar can develop quietly over time. By the time symptoms appear, the problem is often more advanced and harder to treat.
In this blog, you will learn what to expect during a dental exam and teeth cleaning, how these visits protect your long-term dental health, and what can go wrong when you delay them.
If it has been years since your last dental appointment, now is the time to get back on track.
A dental exam and teeth cleaning is essential to prevent cavities, gum disease, and serious dental problems. Skipping routine cleanings can lead to costly procedures like a root canal or tooth extraction. With personalized dental services from Morris Dental Solutions in Buffalo Grove, you can avoid oral health issues and enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile for years.
What Services We Offer in Buffalo Grove
At Morris Dental Solutions, we provide complete preventive care for individuals and families. Our services include:
- Comprehensive dental exams
- Professional teeth cleanings
- Digital X-rays
- Periodontal evaluations
- Custom recommendations for home care
Our dental team takes a patient-first approach to help you preserve your natural teeth for life. We offer preventive care and treatment options tailored to every stage of oral health.
What to Expect During a Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning
A standard preventive appointment usually takes about an hour. If it’s been several years since your last cleaning, this could take even longer. Hardened tartar takes a long time to remove and may require more than one appointment.
1. Medical and Dental History Review
We update your health history, medications, and any current oral health issues.
2. Oral Exam and Digital X-rays
Your dentist will:
- Check for cavities, gum disease, and signs of oral cancer
- Examine tooth enamel, old fillings, or crowns
- Take X-rays to spot hidden dental issues
3. Professional Teeth Cleaning
Our dental hygienist will:
- Remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline
- Polish your teeth to remove surface stains and food particles
- Floss between every tooth
If you have signs of periodontal disease, a deep cleaning and root planing may be recommended.
4. Fluoride Treatment or Preventive Advice
Based on your needs, we may recommend:
- Fluoride treatment for added protection
- Sealants for cavity-prone molars
- Personalized recommendations to keep your smile healthy
| A dental exam and teeth cleaning are two separate services. Your dentist will perform the exam and a hygienist will perform the cleaning. A dental exam is generally recommended once a year, while cleanings should be done every 6 months. Your dentist will let you know how often you should be having both. When booking an appointment, make sure you let us know if you need an exam and a cleaning. Most dental insurance covers dental checkups and teeth cleaning. Be sure to check with them before your appointment. Dr. Spina and Dr. Rosenbaum are in-network with Delta Premier. Dr. Morris and Dr. Chen are out-of-network. |
Why Routine Dental Visits Matter
Skipping dental visits can lead to serious problems down the line. Here is what happens if you don’t go to the dentist regularly:
- Tooth decay progresses silently: Cavities can grow painlessly until they reach the nerve.
- Gum disease becomes advanced: Early-stage gingivitis is reversible, but untreated cases may lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
- Tartar buildup worsens: Brushing and flossing cannot remove hardened plaque.
- You miss signs of bigger issues: Oral cancer and bone loss often go unnoticed without oral exams.
- More expensive treatments later: When small problems are caught early, they are easier and less costly to fix. But if you wait, a cavity that could have been treated with a filling may lead to a root canal, and early gum disease can progress to tooth loss. The longer you delay, the more involved and expensive treatment can become.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning?
Most patients benefit from dental cleanings and exams every six months. Some may need them more often if they:
- Have gum disease or a history of periodontal treatments
- Wear braces or dentures
- Have dry mouth or take certain medications
- Are prone to cavities or enamel erosion
- Have dental implants
At Morris Dental Solutions, we customize your treatment plan to keep your dental health on track.
Benefits of Staying Consistent
Having regular cleanings and check-ups offers many advantages:
- Keeps your teeth and gums healthy
- Helps detect problems early before they become emergencies
- Removes stains and improves your beautiful smile
- Boosts confidence and prevents dental emergencies
- Protects your investment in dental care
Routine teeth care is essential for long-term oral health and maintaining healthy smiles.
| Nervous About Your Visit? Dental anxiety is common, whether it’s due to a past experience or uncertainty about what to expect. At Morris Dental Solutions, we prioritize your comfort every step of the way. Our team takes a gentle, personalized approach, explains each part of your visit, and offers calming options to help you feel at ease. If you’re feeling anxious, let us know when you schedule so we can make your appointment as stress-free as possible. |
Schedule Your Dental Exam and Cleaning Today
At Morris Dental Solutions we welcome patients of all ages in Buffalo Grove and nearby Arlington Heights.
We accept most dental insurance plans and make care affordable with flexible options. Whether it has been six months, or six years, now is the perfect time to take the next step.To book a dental cleaning at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.
