Checkups & Cleanings
Checkups & Cleanings in Grove, OK
Routine dental checkups and cleanings go far in helping you keep your gums and teeth healthy, but they do much more than that. During the examination, Dr. Karl Jobst and his team can spot signs of various health issues, such as acid reflux, osteoporosis, oral cancer, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies. Removing plaque and tartar during a professional cleaning also greatly reduces your risk of gum disease, which is known to contribute to premature birth, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disease, including asthma.
Advanced Technology
Thoughtful tools
Personalized Planning
Treatment guidance
Comfortable Care
Calm experience
Clear Next Steps
Easy scheduling
Checkups and Cleanings for Prevention
Preventing oral disease takes the cooperative effort of the dentist, the patient, and the dental team. The idea is to preserve the teeth and supporting structures, such as the gums and jawbone, by preventing the onset, progression, and recurrence of oral disease.
The dentist and hygienist perform a comprehensive oral examination to inspect for any signs of systemic or oral disease, including cancer. They look for dental decay and use special instruments to check for pockets between the teeth and gums indicative of gum disease, and they assess the condition of any existing restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and fillings.
At Grand Lake Dental, we utilize digital X-rays for the detection of dental decay, cysts, tumors, and bone loss. Digital technology is superior to traditional X-rays, offering instant images with more precise detail while reducing radiation exposure. Our team also takes the time to provide education on home hygiene, including how to properly brush and floss.
More Than a Bright Smile
When you see the dentist for a checkup and cleaning, the dental hygienist performs a professional cleaning that includes scaling, polishing, and flossing — and it does more than improve the brightness of your smile. Every day, a sticky, invisible layer of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth. Proper brushing and flossing can remove plaque, but even with excellent home hygiene, some can remain and harden into tartar above and below the gumline.
While home hygiene can remove plaque, no amount of brushing and flossing will remove tartar — removal requires special instruments in a professional's hands during a process called scaling. The longer tartar remains on your teeth, the more it builds up, increasing your risk of dental decay and gum disease.
Between Checkups and Cleanings
Keeping your smile healthy requires more than seeing your dentist twice a year. Things you can do between dental visits include:
- Properly brush at least twice a day
- Properly floss every day
- Use antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and keep your breath fresh
- Eat a well-balanced diet, avoiding sweets and sugary drinks
- Avoid tobacco products
- Rinse your mouth or chew sugarless gum after eating
For patients who have fears or anxieties about visiting the dentist, the hands at Grand Lake Dental are gentle and kind, and Dr. Jobst offers IV sedation to enhance comfort for those who need it.
Schedule Your Checkup and Cleaning
The usual recommendation for routine dental visits is every six months, though some patients — such as those with active gum disease — may need more frequent visits. If it has been longer than six months since your last visit, or if you're experiencing possible symptoms of oral disease, it's time to see a dentist. Call Grand Lake Dental today to schedule an appointment.