Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in New Castle

We offer a wide range of dental services and therapies to detect dental problems, repair dental damage, and treat all stages of gum disease. Call our office at (302) 352-2321 to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation so our dentist can perform a dental exam to detect any of the following dental issues:

• Tooth decay
• Oral cancer
• Early gum disease, which is called gingivitis
• Advanced gum disease, which is known as periodontal disease
• Habitual teeth grinding
• Jawbone loss

Dental exams and treatment are important not just for the health of your teeth, but also for your quality of life. When you have healthy teeth, you're able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. We love hearing the stories of our patients who tell us how they look and feel so much better now that their smile has been restored.

Why Are Dental Exams Important?

Dentists offer all of these treatments and more to protect, repair, and preserve your dental health. You need to see a general dentist at least twice a year for a complete dental exam and a thorough teeth cleaning to detect any dental problems and remove the cavity-causing plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth.

Only a dentist is able to identify both potential and existing oral problems during a dental exam. And while daily brushing and flossing can remove some of the bacteria, plaque, and tartar on your teeth, it’s simply not enough to get rid of it all. Over time, any that remains can lead to dental decay. Only a highly skilled dental professional can remove this built-up bacteria, plaque, and tartar with a professional teeth cleaning. If you don’t see a dentist regularly for exams and dental cleaning, this decay can start affecting your gums by making them swollen and sensitive. This is the first stage of gum disease, which is called gingivitis.

If you don’t see a dentist for gum disease treatment, it can worsen and develop into a more serious stage known as periodontitis. This urgently demands seeing a dentist for periodontal treatment.

Types of Teeth Cleanings in New Castle

Many people call New Castle Dental Associates because it's time it's time to have their teeth cleaned. Bacteria in your mouth can attack the tooth both above and below the gum line. The type of teeth cleaning needed depends on the health of your teeth and gums. Here are some examples of the types of teeth cleaning we offer:

• Prophylaxis: This is the type of teeth cleaning most insurance companies cover. It's commonly referred to as a "prophy" or healthy-mouth cleaning. This type of cleaning removes plaque on the teeth and at the gum line, but not remove bacteria below the gum line.
• Gingivitis Therapy: Many people don't realize that gingivitis is the first stage of a gum infection (periodontal disease). It's the only stage that is reversible. Our dentist or hygienist will provide additional services to remove harmful bacteria on the teeth and just below the gum line to stop the infection.
• Scaling & Root Planing: About half of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. People who are diagnosed with an active gum infection (periodontal disease) need treatment both above and below the gum line to remove the problem-causing bacteria. Scaling & root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical treatment that removes the bacteria and smooths out exposed root surfaces. After the initial treatment, the dentist may prescribe a periodontal maintenance routine to provide cleanings at more frequent intervals to help manage the infection.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Just as bacteria in the mouth can break down sugar to create acids that erode tooth enamel, so can the bacteria erode the ligaments, tissue, and bone that hold the teeth in place under the gums. That erosion causes the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth, creating "pockets" where more bacteria can gather.

Periodontal disease frequently has no symptoms. As it advances, you may notice bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or teeth shifting out of position. With proper hygiene and regular professional cleanings, the infection can be managed effectively.

Our dentist and hygienist at New Castle Dental Associates will be happy to answer any questions you have during your appointment.

How Can You Find the Best Remedy for Bad Breath?

If you suffer from bad breath, you know how difficult it can be to treat this embarrassing problem known as halitosis. Causes of bad breath include the foods you eat, poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, and gum disease. But our dentist can provide you with effective bad breath remedies, such as regular teeth cleaning, advanced treatments, and oral hygiene advice to treat the underlying problems and make your breath much better.

Why Is It Important to Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer is a dangerous disease that typically doesn’t show any signs until it has spread to other areas of your body. Your best protection is early detection. Only a dentist can identify early symptoms and provide the needed treatment by providing a screening for oral cancer.

How Can Teeth Grinding Be Treated?

Millions of Americans struggle with a condition called bruxism, where they grind their teeth uncontrollably, often while they’re asleep. Over time, this grinding can cause tooth enamel erosion and severe dental discomfort, including:

• Headaches
• Jaw soreness
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Tooth sensitivity

Our dentist will examine your teeth for any signs of bruxism during your dental exam and will provide you with a nighttime mouth guard for teeth grinding to protect you from future damage.

At our dental practice, you can find the experienced dental team you need for professional cleanings, all types of dental treatments, and a thorough dental exam in New Castle. Call us at (302) 352-2321 today to arrange a convenient appointment time. Call us today at (302) 352-2321 or book an appointment online.