Dental exam & cleaning

It’s recommended by the American Dental Association, along with our team, that patients visit their dentist once every six months, or twice a year, for a checkup and cleaning. During these appointments, we’re able to thoroughly examine your teeth and gums in search of any early signs of common oral health problems, like gum disease and cavities. If we do spot anything, we can quickly address it before it has a chance to progress and cause permanent damage to your smile.

Oral cancer is a more common disease than many people think, affecting about 1 in 60 men and 1 in 140 women, according to the oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer key statistics collected by the American Cancer Society. Our goal is to spot this disease in its earliest stages before it has had a chance to spread to other areas of the body, so our patients have a higher chance of successful treatment. During each of your bi-annual oral cancer screenings, we’ll use our advanced VELscope fluorescence technology in your mouth that will highlight any precancerous or cancerous cells. If necessary, we’ll refer you for additional testing.

Fluoride is a naturally derived mineral that’s produced by rocks and can be found in other organic materials, such as the air and fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s added to local water sources, toothpaste, and other oral health products to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities from forming. If you or your little one isn’t receiving enough fluoride, we can supplement it with a fluoridated gel or varnish that we can put on your teeth at the end of your checkup and cleaning.

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding and clenching, can cause irreparable damage to your mouth if it’s not addressed. Our team in Illinois crafts customized nightguards that are made from a durable acrylic material to help shield your teeth from grinding against each other and protect the joints and muscles of the jaw from sustaining force and tension while you rest. Not only can one of our nightguards help keep you out of the emergency dentist’s office, but it can also help you rest comfortably without having to wake to the painful side effects of bruxism.