The “heart” of patient-centric care with Routine Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings

If ever there was a profession that is built on relationships, it would be dentistry. We may live in one of the ten biggest metro areas in the country; however, that doesn’t mean the care that Martindale Family Dentistry in Griffin, Georgia, provides is impersonal. We pride ourselves in offering the personalized and warm care that one might expect from a “small town dentist,” while balancing this approach with sophisticated technologies and services. Ongoing dental exams and teeth cleanings are the foundation for excellent oral health. Dr. Mark Martindale is happy to provide some insights into what to expect from routine visits to our office.

The “basics” 

For the “average” patient, we recommend visits to our office once every six months. Dr. Martindale will examine your teeth, gums, and connected oral tissues and structures during these visits, and he may take x-rays and screen for abnormalities, such as oral pre-cancers and cancerous lesions. Each appointment also includes a cleaning by one of our skilled dental hygienists.  

If you smoke or have other risk factors for gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancers, we may recommend more frequent check-ups. Additionally, if we detect active gum disease, “standard” cleanings may not be sufficient to restore gingival (gum tissue) health. In that case, “deep cleanings” may be recommended. These cleanings are generally known as “scaling and root planing.”

Exams

As noted, Dr. Martindale will evaluate the state of your teeth, gums, and the rest of your oral cavity. He uses both his keen, experienced eye as well as advanced diagnostics such as digital x-rays. In this manner, we can detect problems in their earliest stages. That is important because you may think your teeth and gums are healthy as they might “feel fine.” Conditions such as early gum disease often have no symptoms. It is not until the condition has progressed and threatens the tooth’s integrity that symptoms such as pain or bleeding may arise. So, we can pinpoint and intervene with problems before they cause irrevocable damage.

During these visits, Dr. Martindale also may administer preventive services, such as dental sealants and fluoride supplementation.

Cleanings  

Our skilled hygienists have the training and tools to remove surface stains, bacteria, plaque, and stubborn tartar painlessly and effectively. Hardened plaque (tartar) can only be removed with specialized tools. Additionally, they may suggest techniques and special products to enhance oral hygiene at home.