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3933 Lane Road, Painesville, Ohio 44077 - phone:(440) 639-CARE

Frequently Asked Questions…

Your "Routine Cleaning" Is Not Routine Here!

We want you to understand why your maintenance (check-up and cleaning) visit is at least as important as your other dental treatment visits. Your maintenance visit includes many services that are extremely important the long-term health of your mouth. We don't take these services for granted and we hope you don't either.

What happens at my check-up appointment that is so special here at Perry Dental Solutions?

The examination (check-up) portion of your maintenance visit includes a health history update and a soft-tissue/oral cancer screening. Your dentist and hygienist will do the following:

  1. Examine your bite and your TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint);
  2. Examine your entire mouth and look for any signs of disease, particularly cavities (decay) and gum (periodontal) disease;
  3. Prescribe specific and necessary X-ray films so that we can see between your teeth and below your gums (the 75% of your mouth that we can't see by looking directly in your mouth); and
  4. Discuss these films with you before your visit is over.
  5. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you feel necessary.

The prophylaxis (cleaning) portion of your maintenance visit will be provided by your hygienist in conjunction with your dentist. Your hygienist will do the following:

  1. Use an ultrasonic cleaning machine to remove stubborn plaque deposits;
  2. Use an "air polisher" (an air, water, and flavored baking soda spray) to remove stains and soften deposits;
  3. Use hand scaling instruments to remove fine plagues and staining particles
  4. Polish and floss to remove any remaining stains and give you that "freshly polished" feeling;
  5. Use a high strength (1.64%) fluoride solution because it strengthens the teeth against decay and because it has a proven anti-bacterial effect, which helps prevent gum disease;
  6. Give you a specific fluoride to use at home to help you prevent cavities and bacterial infection of your gums. So you see, not only children, but also adults get fluoride treatments in our practice.
  7. No matter what your age, you will be given personalized home care instructions, a toothbrush and, at your discretion, a final mouthwash.

We will recommend the best maintenance interval for your dental needs - usually every 3 to 6 months. Remember, the six-month interval is not ideal for many patients. We want your maintenance visit to be a pleasant, personally rewarding experience. As always, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for your comfort and relaxation. Please help us by notifying us if we fail to meet your comfort expectations.