Regular Dental Checkups Protect Your Lasting Oral Health
Regular professional dental care is vital to maintain your smile. A dental checkup at our Bismarck, ND, practice can help prevent cavities and other oral health issues. During your routine visits to Heringer Dentistry, your hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that would otherwise lead to decay. Dr. Everett E. Heringer can also evaluate your teeth and gums, looking for early signs of cavities and gum disease, and recommending treatment when necessary. Our office also uses detailed x-rays and other imaging systems to more thoroughly evaluate your oral health. We offer preventive services to patients of all ages, and we encourage you to schedule visits for your family at least twice a year.
"Thank you for a beautiful smile."
Brandi has been a patient of Dr. Everett Heringer in Bismarck since she was just a little girl. She says she's kept coming back over the years because of our dentist's calming demeanor and emphasis on preventative care to keep her smile healthy. Brandi now brings her husband and children to see Dr. Heringer and we couldn't be happier to be her family's home for dentistry.
The Importance of Routine Dental Visits
Bacteria is the underlying cause of dental decay. When these microbes build, they will take energy from the starches in your foods, producing acid, which can eat away at your dental enamel. As this protective layer starts to wear, bacteria can access the underlying layers of tissue, and a cavity will form. Bacteria can also bind with the layer of protein on your teeth, creating sticky tartar. Eventually, this film will harden into tartar. Only a professional cleaning can remove these substances and dramatically reduce your risk for dental decay.
Regular dental visits are also important because we can catch gum disease and other concerns in the early stages. Without a quick diagnosis, you could suffer from significant gum recession and even tooth loss. Because regular dental appointments are so important, you should visit our office at least twice a year. If you have periodic decay, a previous gum disease diagnosis, or a history of cancer, you may want to visit us more often.
What to Expect during a Cleaning
Daily brushing and flossing at home can help to combat oral decay, but these habits cannot completely eliminate bacteria, especially in areas that are hard to reach. Additionally, at-home hygiene will not remove plaque or tartar that have already accumulated. During a cleaning, your hygienist can gently remove these stubborn substances from your teeth. The team at Heringer Dentistry can also gently polish teeth with a specialized toothpaste, helping to brighten your smile and prevent bacteria from accumulating in the future. All of our hygienists use very conservative methods, so your dental cleaning will be quick and comfortable.
Regular dental visits are also important because we can catch gum disease in the early stages. Without a quick diagnosis, you could suffer from significant gum recession and even tooth loss.
What to Expect during a Dental Exam
After your cleaning, Dr. Heringer will conduct an exam. First, he will look for visible signs of decay or damage. Because oral concerns are not always visible to the naked eye, we will usually take x-rays at every other visit. We can also take x-rays or scans of your entire oral structure to check your overall dental alignment and jaw structure.
After evaluating your teeth, your practitioner will look for gum inflammation, sores, soft tissue recession, and other signs of gum disease. If you manifest the symptoms of the condition, we can provide effective treatment with state-of-the-art laser dentistry techniques. Finally, your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening. If you have any unusual sores or other symptoms, we will typically order a biopsy.
Preserve Your Oral Health
To protect your family’s healthy smiles, contact Heringer Dentistry online or call us at (701) 255-4850 and book an appointment. We can provide the experienced, gentle care you need for a lasting smile.
