4283 Raleigh Millington Rd, Memphis, TN 38128
Maintain a Healthy Smile with Routine Dental Care
Regular dental exams and cleanings at Dove Family Dentistry - Raleigh in Raleigh Frayser, TN are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These routine visits can also help you avoid the greater financial costs associated with dental problems that are left untreated and worsen over time. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends biannual checkups for individuals of all ages, as this frequency allows for the early detection of most dental issues. Skipping routine dental care, even if you feel healthy, can lead to the progression of problems like cavities and gum disease, which may not cause immediate discomfort. Consistent preventative care is key to keeping your natural teeth healthy and intact throughout your life.
What to Expect During Your Routine Dental Exam
During your routine dental exam at Dove Family Dentistry - Raleigh, Dr. McAuley will conduct a thorough visual examination of your mouth using specialized dental equipment such as mouth mirrors, dental picks, and high-intensity lights. This examination includes looking for cracked or decayed teeth and evaluating several important aspects of your oral health. We will review your medical history to understand how any new medical conditions or illnesses might affect your dental health. Your mouth will be carefully checked for any signs of tooth decay. As part of our commitment to your overall wellness, we also perform an oral cancer screening, examining your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any suspicious areas. Your gums and the bone around your teeth will be evaluated for any evidence of periodontal (gum) disease. Finally, any existing fillings, crowns, and other dental restorations will be checked to ensure they are in good condition.
Advanced Digital X-Ray Technology for Enhanced Diagnostics
Dove Family Dentistry - Raleigh is committed to utilizing the most advanced dental technology available to provide you with the safest and most convenient treatment options. We employ advanced digital X-ray technology in our office, which offers several benefits over traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays save time, provide clearer and more detailed dental images, and significantly reduce your exposure to radiation. Our focus is on making your dental experience as comfortable and informative as possible, and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our technology and procedures.
Comprehensive Oral Cancer Screenings as Part of Your Routine Care
At Dove Family Dentistry - Raleigh, our dedication extends beyond just your smile to encompass your overall wellness. We take a holistic approach to your dental care, which includes a thorough oral cancer screening as a standard part of your regular dental exam. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not detected and treated in its early stages. Our team is trained to identify early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and precancerous conditions. While these symptoms can sometimes be attributed to less serious issues, it is crucial to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. Common symptoms to be aware of include red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity, sores that bleed easily or do not heal, lumps, thickenings, or rough spots, pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or on the lips, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue. Our oral cancer screening involves a comprehensive examination of your entire oral cavity, including visually inspecting the mouth and feeling the tissues of your mouth and throat for any abnormalities. If we identify an area of concern, we may perform a simple brush test to collect cells for laboratory analysis or recommend a biopsy for further evaluation. In addition to receiving regular oral cancer screenings at our office, you can also take proactive steps to help prevent oral cancer by avoiding all tobacco products, drinking alcohol in moderation, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and limiting sun exposure, always using UV-A/B-blocking sun protection on your skin and lips. During your next dental appointment, please don't hesitate to ask Dr. McAuley to perform a thorough oral exam. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Dental Cleanings
The Academy of General Dentistry recommends professional dental cleanings at least twice a year to enhance your oral health. During these cleanings, our skilled hygienists will meticulously remove any hardened plaque and tartar buildup that can accumulate on your teeth, even with diligent brushing and flossing at home. These professional cleanings, often performed alongside a comprehensive dental examination, ensure your mouth is as healthy and clean as possible. We carefully remove all plaque and tartar deposits, polish your teeth to a smooth finish, and floss thoroughly. Neglecting both your at-home and professional oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, potentially requiring more extensive and costly treatment. Maintaining regular professional cleanings, in addition to your daily routine, is your strongest defense for a healthy smile.
Brushing Instructions
Brushing: Step 1
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet.
Brushing: Step 2
Brush your teeth gently using small, circular movements.
Brushing: Step 3
Make sure to brush the outer, inner, and top (chewing) surfaces of all your teeth.
Brushing: Step 4
For the inner surfaces of your front teeth, angle the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip.
Flossing Instructions
Flossing: Step 1
Take about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap most of it around one of your middle fingers. As you use the floss to clean between your teeth, wind the used portion onto the other middle finger. This allows you to always have a clean section of floss to work with.
Flossing: Step 2
Using your thumbs and index fingers, carefully guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Flossing: Step 3
Holding the floss tautly, gently slide it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a "C" shape against one tooth and carefully slide it just below the gum line.
Flossing: Step 4
Gently move the floss up and down against the surface of each tooth, making sure to clean both sides of every tooth.