Teeth Cleanings & Exams

At Jensen Beach Dental, we put a lot of emphasis on preventive dentistry, which includes dental exams and teeth cleanings. These practices help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile by lowering your risks for preventable conditions like cavities, root infections, and even gum disease.

Dr. Christopher Wigley, your family dentist in Jensen Beach, FL, provides preventive exams and teeth cleanings for patients of all ages. And he is always happy to welcome new individuals and families into our dental practice.

If you would like to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning—whether scheduling for yourself or yourself and your entire family—reach out to a member of our team to get started. In the meantime, read through the questions below to learn more about our prevention and patient care approach.

• What happens during an exam and teeth cleaning in Jensen Beach, FL?
• If I brush and floss daily, why do I need dental cleanings?
• How often should I visit my dentist in 34957?
• Do you provide children's dentistry near Stuart, FL?
• How can I help lower my risks between dental visits?
• How is preventive dentistry different from general?

What happens during an exam and teeth cleaning in Jensen Beach, FL?

Dr. Wigley provides a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums, looking for emerging cavities and any changes to your oral health since your last checkup. Your preventive exam also includes an oral cancer screening and jaw health check. Periodically, we take x-rays to compare any changes or root out hidden cavities or infections.

Following your exam, Dr. Wigley talks to you about findings and creates a treatment plan if you do have an issue—a tooth cavity that requires a tooth-colored filling, for example.

If you are prone to cavities, Dr. Wigley may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel or a dental sealant to lock debris away from your teeth.

Your professional teeth cleaning involves clearing away stubborn bacteria and tartar to lower your risks for preventable conditions. Our dental tools gently but thoroughly take care of what your toothbrush and dental floss cannot.

Unfortunately, commercial toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss cannot lift stubborn tartar, plaque, and all bacteria. At Jensen Beach Dental, our trained hygienist relies on advanced tools to lift these ingredients away. We are also able to penetrate hard-to-reach areas between teeth and close to the gumline.

Your preventive dental cleaning significantly lowers your risks for several conditions, including gum disease. Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that causes inflammation and infections around the ligaments and tissues that support your teeth. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even affect other body systems like your heart.

However, keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life is a three-way collaboration between you, your dentist, and your hygienist. Brushing and flossing at least twice daily is a crucial part of the overall effort!

Your dentist and hygienist can also share practical tips with you to help you get the best results from your at-home regimen.

How often should I visit my dentist in 34957?

Jensen Beach Dental patients and their families should come to see us at least once every six months. If you have dental issues, like gum disease, we recommend seeing us more often.

Typically, healthy smiles that aren't seeing oral health problems like toothaches or infections can be okay with the recommended two dental office visits every year. This is also the recommendation of the American Dental Association.

During these visits, Dr. Christopher J. Wigley and his team will perform dental cleanings, exams, and digital x-rays as needed. 

We can also check on the state of your orthodontic treatment and dental prosthetics. We make sure nothing is loose or a poor fit, including dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and dentures. 

If you have had a root canal, we will ensure the area is free of decay and infection and check on the dental crown's state. 

For many patients, seeing us more than every six months is better for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Patients who are prone to cavities or tooth decay even with good oral hygiene
• Patients with gum disease
• Patients who have tooth pain
• Patients who smoke
• Patients who do not practice daily brushing and flossing
• Patients who have not seen the dentist in years and are seeking help

If you fall under any of the above scenarios, you may benefit from frequent visits to your Jensen Beach, FL dentist. 

During your dental visit, we can remove any build-up of plaque and tartar, look for abnormal dental health issues, monitor any ongoing problems, and more. 

We are here to treat you and your family and keep your smiles healthy and beautiful.

At Jensen Beach Dental, we see children of all ages and provide age-appropriate treatment as they grow.

Early appointments may include counting teeth, making sure that jaws are properly aligned, and that everything is progressing on schedule.

As your child grows, we provide all the necessary services, including:

• Comprehensive dental exams
• Professional teeth cleanings
• X-rays as needed
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Orthodontic evaluations

We also talk to you about all findings and give you the best information to care for your child’s teeth between checkups. This may include nutritional advice if your child is vulnerable to cavities.

When your child transitions to independent brushing, we will also guide them to adjust to their new responsibility.

Our goal is to make dental exams a positive experience for each child, including encouraging them to take pride in a healthy smile!

How can I help lower my risks between dental visits?

The best way to lower your risks is to adopt and implement an excellent oral care routine. You should be brushing and flossing at least twice per day—more so if you have been diagnosed with gingivitis or another oral health issue.

The way you brush and floss is equally important. You should spend time on each tooth, hitting all surfaces—including the backs of teeth. It would be best to use a clean piece of floss as you move between teeth and never tug. Glide it gently against the natural curve of the tooth.

Never go to sleep for the night without brushing away your last meal or snack. And consider curbing sugary treats and acidic beverages that can erode your enamel.

How is preventive dentistry different from general?

Preventive dentistry works to prevent issues, but general dentistry aims to reverse oral health conditions after they have occurred.

Examples of general dentistry include:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Root canal treatments
• Extractions
• Periodontal treatment
• TMJ therapy
• Emergency dentistry
• Tooth replacement

At Jensen Beach Dental, we place a special emphasis on prevention, but we also work hard to restore your oral health when issues arise.

Our friendly dentist and team will always treat your family like a part of ours when under our care. We provide gentle but thorough dentistry and are always available to answer your questions.

If you’d like to schedule an individual appointment or exams and teeth cleanings for the entire family, contact a team member to get started.