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Late & Early Hours AvailableAccepting New Patients
901 S Center St, Arlington, TX 76010
(817) 460-4131

Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Arlington, TX

Keeping Smiles Healthy and Clean

A female patient at the dentist office

From a young age, most people learn the importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings. Keeping your mouth healthy and clean is the first step in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.  As a child, your parents took you to the dentist whether you wanted to go or not, but as an adult, it can be easy to put off these appointments, especially if you’ve been lacking in your oral hygiene routine. Dr. James Gray understands the dentist office can be a scary place for some people, but he strives to make his office a welcoming, judgment-free environment. If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, call us today. Let us help you take back your oral health!

What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

A dentist looking at a female patient’s mouth

Dr. Gray wants you to feel at ease and at home in his office, which is why during your dental checkup, you can expect him to thoroughly discuss any areas of concern he noticed during your exam.

He will also check for gum disease, tooth decay, teeth grinding (Bruxism), TMJ, and oral cancer. This dangerous disease causes thousands of people to lose their lives each year, and it can be successfully treated if detected early. This is why Dr. Gray and other dental professionals worldwide stress the importance of regular dental checkups and oral cancer screenings.

No matter if you receive a clean bill of health or discover there is a problem, Dr. Gray will discuss potential treatment options, allowing you to determine which solution works best for your individual needs.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

A female patient having her teeth cleaned

After you check in at the front desk, our hygienist Holly will bring you back to the hygiene room. Once you are seated and comfortable, she will record your vital signs, discuss your dental concerns, and update any changes in your medical history.  X-rays are typically taken once a year and they allow Dr. Gray to check for decay in between the teeth and for problem areas beneath the gum line.  A periodontal screening will also be done once a year to check the health of the gums.

During your cleaning, Holly will use instruments to remove soft and hard deposits, called plaque and calculus from your teeth. She will then polish your teeth with a flavored pumice paste to remove any remaining plaque or stains and floss your teeth.  Holly will also review flossing and brushing techniques if necessary to help you improve your home care in between your professional cleanings. 

Dr. Gray will examine your teeth after they have been thoroughly cleaned and perform an oral cancer screening to check for any abnormalities. He will also review periodontal charting and x-rays and identify any dental conditions that need to be addressed. 

Why Attending These Appointments Regularly Are Important

A woman smiling

The typical appointment schedule for most patients is every six months; however, if you suffer from periodontal disease, it will be necessary for you to see us more frequently. Scaling and root planning can be performed when gum disease is first found, but moving forward, bacteria can return to the gum pockets, which can have devastating effects on your oral health. Dr. Gray will need to monitor your progress to prevent additional extensive treatment.

Other reasons to maintain your regularly scheduled appointments include:

  • Enables us to begin treatment immediately should signs of oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease or other oral-related health problems occur.
  • Gives you peace of mind knowing your oral and overall health are on track.
  • Helps to prevent cavities from forming, as well as gum disease from developing or progressing.