Dental Exams & Cleanings in Arlington, VA

We Provide Dental Cleanings for the Whole Family

Do your teeth need some polish? Maybe you’ve noticed discomfort while you eat but aren’t sure what’s wrong. A dental exam and cleaning appointment with Lighthouse Dental will make sure your teeth are pristine and well-cared-for.

Even if you take good care of your oral hygiene, health issues can still come up. A dental exam is the first step in determining whether to pursue additional treatment.

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

A dental exam is painless and relatively quick. Here’s what to expect during a dental exam:

• Your dentist will look at your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and throat.
• Dental staff may take X-rays to better examine your teeth and jaw.
• Your dentist will use special tools to look for signs of decay on your teeth and bones.
• The dentist will check your gums for any disease or receding gum lines.
• They will also check your fillings, crowns, retainers, and other dental work to make sure everything is still working as intended.

This quick exam can uncover a variety of issues, which is why it’s so important to get a dental exam every six months. Some of the issues a dental exam can discover include:

• Tumors
• Cysts
• Cavities
• Abscesses
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Oral and throat cancers

  In many cases, a dental exam can give you peace of mind! If something does require attention, your dentist may be able to correct it at the same appointment. Otherwise, they will schedule a follow-up appointment or direct you to a specialist.

The Benefits of a Professional Dental Cleaning

Even if you brush and floss with care every day, you can still benefit from professional teeth cleaning by one of our dental hygienists. Your hygienist will remove two substances – plaque and tartar – that can make your teeth look less clean and contribute to health issues.

Plaque forms on teeth first. If your teeth ever feel sticky or filmy, that is plaque. Plaque is made of saliva, food debris, and bacteria that live off the debris. The bacteria produce substances that can harm your gums. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar.

Your hygienist may also call tartar by the name calculus. Either term refers to plaque that has hardened and formed a crust that has attached to the surface of the teeth. By the time plaque becomes tartar, a hygienist will need to use special tools to remove it. You cannot simply brush tartar away, especially because it may extend below the gum line.

Contact Lighthouse Dental Today to Schedule a Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exam in Arlington, VA

A teeth cleaning will leave you feeling refreshed and confident in your smile. A warm, engaging smile is an important asset when meeting new people in your personal or professional life. A dental cleaning makes sure you can make a good first impression.

But your teeth are more than just pretty decorations – they are an important factor in your overall health. Make your dental health a priority and schedule a dental exam with Lighthouse Dental in Arlington, VA by calling 703-920-6600 or filling out our contact form.