Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Marshall, TX

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are absolutely essential for preserving your oral health and preventing painful infections of your teeth and gums. Dr. Charlie Parker and the rest of our team will be happy to thoroughly inspect and clean your mouth and address any issues before they become dental emergencies. If necessary, we can schedule you for additional treatments such as gum disease therapy. Here’s a brief guide to what you can expect during your next checkup at our Marshall office, but please contact us if you have any questions.

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?

While you may be tempted to forgo seeing your dentist if your mouth seems fine, this can lead to serious consequences. For example, dental cleanings remove plaque and food debris that can cause destructive infections such as gum disease and tooth decay, and this can prevent the need for costly restorations such as dentures and bridges. Insurance usually completely covers two checkups and cleanings annually, but restorative treatments such as fillings typically require out-of-pocket expenses. Routine dental appointments can also prevent painful dental emergencies such as toothaches. Poor oral health has been linked to significant oral health issues like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, so regular dental care may help you avoid these dangerous conditions.

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup

During your checkup, Dr. Parker and his team will:

• Carefully examine your teeth and gums as well as your overall bite and any existing dental work.
• Inspect your soft tissues for signs of cancer.
• Take X-rays usually once annually to check for internal problems.
• Design a specialized treatment plan to address any problems detected.
• Take the time to answer any questions you have about your treatment or oral hygiene habits.
• Review and update your medical history and list of medications to ensure that your treatment does not result in unforeseen complications.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

There are parts of your mouth that cannot be properly cleaned with at-home oral hygiene methods like brushing and flossing. To keep these areas healthy, Dr. Parker will use specialized instruments to eliminate accumulations of plaque and tartar between your teeth and along your gumline to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. He will then polish and floss your teeth to remove minor surface stains.