Complete Dental Care: Exams, X-Rays, and Teeth Cleaning for a Healthy Smile

TEETH CLEANING TIPS FROM AN EL PASO DENTIST

Cleaning your teeth twice a day and flossing daily is the best way to prevent cavities and early periodontal disease. This is the foundation of a good oral hygiene regimen. But, did you know that your six-month in-house professional cleaning is just as important to maintain good oral health and overall health?

In this article, we’ll go over tips for brushing, flossing, aftercare tips for teeth cleaning, and the importance of good oral hygiene.

TIPS FOR BRUSHING YOUR TEETH

When brushing your teeth, keep the brush angled at 45 degrees. Also, remember to brush the front, back, and top parts where your teeth grind food.

Something else to keep in mind is to use short tooth-wide brushstrokes instead of long ones. That way each tooth gets more repetition of stroke for each tooth. Remember to replace it every 3-4 months so that the bristles aren’t frayed and not a lot of bacteria can build up on the bristles.

TIPS FOR FLOSSING

For flossing use at least an 18-inch length of floss. That way each tooth can get a clean section of floss as you go. Also, don’t snap the floss into place. It’s better to gently slide the floss in so that your gums are not damaged.

TIPS FOR AFTER YOUR SCHEDULED TEETH CLEANING IN EL PASO

If you’ve ever searched for ‘teeth cleaning in El Paso‘ and what you found when you left that dental office was your teeth feeling sensitive, we can explain that. Professional teeth cleanings are so important because they remove tartar, plaque, and other calcified decay that lead to periodontal disease and eventual tooth loss if not properly removed.

During a deep cleaning, your teeth and gums will undergo a rigorous process to remove harmful build-up. Afterward, it’s normal for your teeth or gums to feel a little sensitive because all the matter that was on your teeth is difficult to remove. This sensitivity should only last about 1 to 2 days tops. If irritation persists, make sure to call us so we can make the best decision on how to proceed.

So after your appointment, it will be important to avoid rough or hot foods. These can increase sensitivity and even do damage to the affected areas. Also, remember that you still have to brush and floss daily. So be gentle with your teeth and gums at first to avoid any more discomfort.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DENTAL X-RAYS

WHY DO I NEED DENTAL X-RAYS?

Dental X-rays give our dentists a complete and detailed image of your mouth so that we can provide you with the best dental solutions for improving your oral health. After a thorough visual examination of your teeth, the dentist may ask for dental X-rays to make sure they have the best information about your situation at their disposal.

Green Family Dental will only ask for X-rays when they’re necessary for a complete examination of your teeth. Dental X-rays are typically only needed about once a year, but the dentist may ask for more if they are tracking the progress of a dental problem you are having.

Some other factors that may affect the frequency of dental X-rays requested may include:

• How old you are
• If you have an oral disease
• If you have a history of periodontal disease or tooth decay

DIGITAL X-RAYS ARE SAFER, BETTER, & MORE COMFORTABLE

Safer

While traditional X-rays have gotten a bad rap in the past, with recent advancements in technology digital X-rays produce just a fraction of the radiation that you’ll get from other imaging procedures. Digital X-rays actually produce 80% less radiation than their older counterparts. Giving you the peace of mind that you can receive dental X-rays without having to worry about radiation exposure.

More Comfortable

​Traditional X-rays used to require a series of large lead bibs and a process of biting down on papers that produce discomfort, cramps, awkward biting, and sometimes cuts. With digital X-rays, you’ll receive a sensor inside your mouth connected to a computer that is far less intrusive and more comfortable for our patients in our El Paso, TX dental office.

Better Quality

​Digital X-rays also produce a far more detailed picture of your mouth that dentists will use to suggest the best dental treatment for your current oral situation. They also produce the images in as little as 3 seconds, saving you time for both you and the staff. Also, since the images are digital, they provide a high-resolution image that the dentist can show you decay or areas of concern on a large screen. Making the experience of going to the dentist less of a mystery and more enjoyable for everyone.

PRECAUTIONS WITH DENTAL X-RAYS

Because digital X-rays use low levels of radiation to obtain these images, we take special precautions to make sure your exposure is nominal. Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid any type of X-rays. Our staff will also only take the number of images necessary to lower exposure.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL X-RAYS?

If you have more questions about dental X-rays or any other dental procedures we offer, please feel free to call our dental office at 915-778-4681. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We want to make sure you are completely informed and comfortable in our East El Paso location. Schedule an appointment today, we can’t wait to brighten your smile!

5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A NEW DENTIST IN EL PASO

FIRST THINGS FIRST: REVIEWS

Our patients say it all. Checking the dentist’s Google, Facebook, and website for reviews is the best place to start. You can see what experiences patients have had at their practice over the years. If the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and Green Family Dental’s reviews are, you know you’re headed in the right direction! 

COST AND INSURANCE

Cost should never be a barrier to quality dental care. Before picking a dentist, check that your insurance is covered and that they offer affordable dental care services. Don’t have dental insurance? No problem. Many dentists, like Green Family Dental, offer  Dental Savings Plans to help you get the dental care you need at a price you can afford.

​If you want to see a dentist that comes highly recommended by a friend or family member but is out of your network, call the practice and ask if they submit claims to all insurance providers. Most do, so it is worth asking before eliminating this practice from your list.

REFERRALS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Friends and family members are great resources. They can tell you about the personality of the dentist and office staff, and answer questions. Here are some good questions to ask your friend or family members:

• Does the dentist explain treatment options well?
• How long will you be sitting in the waiting room?
• Do you feel comfortable asking the dentist or staff questions?
• How does the office handle dental emergencies?
• Are they open on Saturdays?
• How are bills handled?
• If you are moving, ask your current dentist if they can recommend a dentist near your new home.
• Your physician may also be able to provide some names of good dentists.

LOCATION AND HOURS

​Choose a dentist close to home or work. This will make it easier to schedule visits and to arrive on time. Also, make sure that the dental office is open on the days and at the times when you are able to schedule an appointment. Green Family Dental is conveniently open on Saturdays for people in the El Paso area that are busy working during the weekdays.

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

Quality of care has dramatically increased in the past couple of decades with the proliferation of new technologies. Especially with X-rays, which are a crucial component in diagnosing your oral health. Some X-ray machines can deliver a large dose of radiation to unsuspecting patients. Green Family Dental uses digital X-ray technology with 90% less radiation exposure than normal X-ray machines.  We also use the latest in dental implant & denture technology.

SCHEDULE YOUR TEETH CLEANING TODAY!

You should consider scheduling an appointment as soon as possible if it’s been a couple of years since your last dental appointment. You can call our friendly staff today at (915) 778-4681 or send us a message from our Contact Us page. We will be more than willing to answer any questions you have concerning your teeth cleaning appointment. Call today!