Has it been some time since your last cleaning? Do you have a dental concern that needs care? Dr. Chad Boustany is your Charleston, WV dentist who offers routine cleanings and exams. Dental cleanings and exams are part of our preventive dental services that keep you healthy.
Digital X-rays
Dental X-rays are often the first step in your routine dental care. These images allow Dr. Boustany to see areas of your mouth that are not visible during a regular exam. With digital X-rays, we can detect cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, or other hidden concerns. Because the technology uses very low levels of radiation, it is safe for both children and adults. Taking X-rays as part of your visit helps us catch issues early, which means less complex and more affordable treatment in the long run.
Dental Cleaning
After your X-rays, you’ll receive a professional dental cleaning, also known as a dental prophylaxis. Our registered dental hygienists (RDH) begin by using special tools and a dental mirror to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. These are areas that brushing and flossing at home cannot always reach. Next, your hygienist will clean your teeth with water and a polishing paste to remove stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth and fresh.
Finally, our hygienist will floss between each tooth flossing to remove all food particles and bacteria. This process not only brightens your smile but also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
Exam
Once your cleaning is complete, Dr. Boustany will perform a thorough dental exam. He will check your teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns. If he finds an issue or if you’ve come in with a specific concern, he’ll discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Boustany will review his findings with you in clear, simple terms and answer any questions you may have. His goal is to keep you comfortable, informed, and confident in your dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more about routine visits? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about dental cleanings in our Charleston dental office.
Why should I visit the dentist twice a year?
Visiting Revive Dental every six months is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular visits allow Dr. Boustany and our team to monitor your oral health and catch any problems early, before they become more serious or harder to treat. During your appointment, we may take X-rays to check for hidden issues such as cavities between your teeth, bone loss, or other concerns that are not visible during a regular exam.
If you have current dental concerns, these visits give us the opportunity to address them right away. Whether it’s sensitivity, pain, or cosmetic concerns, we can discuss treatment options and create a plan to keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
Routine visits also include a professional cleaning, which removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains that you cannot remove at home. This deep cleaning helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. By keeping up with your six-month dental appointments, you are taking proactive steps to protect your smile
Should I brush my teeth before I go to the dentist?
Yes, we recommend that you brush and floss before your appointment. Cleaning your teeth at home before you arrive helps remove food particles and surface plaque. Working with clean teeth makes it easier for our hygienists to focus on giving you a deeper and more thorough cleaning during your visit.
Do dental cleanings remove stains?
Yes, dental cleanings can help remove stains from your teeth. During a professional cleaning, the dental hygienist uses special tools and a polishing paste to scrub away surface stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, or other foods and drinks. While cleanings are very effective at brightening your smile, they mainly remove surface stains and plaque.
Dr. Boustany can discuss additional cosmetic treatments, like professional teeth whitening, if you want to tackle deep tooth stains.
Are X-rays safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for patients of all ages. One reason is that most patients only need X-rays once or twice a year, so the exposure is very limited. In some cases, Dr. Boustany may recommend them more often if you are at higher risk for cavities or gum disease, but the radiation level is still very low.
We also take extra steps to protect you during the process. Our office uses digital X-ray technology, which gives off much less radiation compared to traditional film X-rays. In addition, we provide lead aprons and thyroid collars to shield the rest of your body from exposure. Because of these safety measures, children, teens, adults, and seniors can safely receive dental X-rays as part of their routine care.
Schedule Your Next Cleaning
Keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Call Revive Dental today at 304-396-6658. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Boustany online.