Family Dentists in Keller, TX Recommends Regular Dental Exams And X-Rays

Two dentists reviewing dental X-rays at wooden desk during patient consultation.

Regular dental cleanings with your Keller, TX Family Dentist are a mandatory piece of your oral health routine. By making and keeping your cleaning appointments, you can ensure proper cleaning and optimal oral health. The Esthetique Dental team will remove any plaque that has developed between cleanings. It is important to note that even with proper brushing and flossing, plaque can still form in areas that are difficult to reach.

Dental exams are a crucial ingredient to your oral health routine and can allow you to keep healthy teeth and gums for years to come. By making and maintaining your dental exams, you can also avoid costly surgeries and procedures later on in life. Two checkups each year are recommended for patients of all ages. In some cases, additional appointments may be needed.

Family Dentists in Keller, TX Recommends Regular Dental Exams And X-Rays

Regular dental cleanings with your Keller, TX Family Dentist are a mandatory piece of your oral health routine. By making and keeping your cleaning appointments, you can ensure proper cleaning and optimal oral health. The Esthetique Dental team will remove any plaque that has developed between cleanings. It is important to note that even with proper brushing and flossing, plaque can still form in areas that are difficult to reach.

Dental exams are a crucial ingredient to your oral health routine and can allow you to keep healthy teeth and gums for years to come. By making and maintaining your dental exams, you can also avoid costly surgeries and procedures later on in life. Two checkups each year are recommended for patients of all ages. In some cases, additional appointments may be needed.

How it's done

One of your Keller dentists will first examine your mouth visually, using dental equipment such as mouth mirrors, assorted dental tools, and high-intensity lights. Dr. Darshan Patel will be looking for cracked or decaying teeth. Your Keller, TX family dentist will also review:

Medical history review: Your Keller, TX Family Dentist will assess how any new medical conditions or illnesses may affect your dental health.
Examination of tooth decay: Your mouth will be checked for cracked or decayed teeth.
Oral cancer screening: The face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums will be checked for any signs of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: Your gums and bone around the teeth will be checked for any evidence of periodontal disease.
Examination of existing restorations: Current fillings, dental crowns, and other restorations will be examined for any signs of damage.

Your dental cleaning will take between 30-60 minutes. During this time, a member of the Esthetique Dental team will perform the cleaning, with Dr. Darshan Patel coming in for an additional exam at the end of the appointment. For most patients, dental cleanings are completely painless.

During your dental cleaning, the hygiene staff member will 'scale' the teeth. This involves removing any tartar and plaque buildup from the tooth services. The hygienist will also 'dig' into the gum pockets to remove any plaque buildup that is hiding there.

Next, the hygienist will polish and buff the teeth. This will remove any stubborn plaque, and leave your teeth feeling squeaky clean.

During your appointment, Dr. Darshan Patel will also evaluate you for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease usually forms when teeth haven't been cleaned in some time, or have not been cleaned properly. If you have developed periodontal disease, a deep, multi-step cleaning may be in order. There is more information regarding this type of cleaning below.

Our dental team will also take a set of diagnostic X-rays to reveal any problems that cannot be seen by the eye alone, such as issues beneath the gum line. Bitewing X-rays are typically taken every 12 months and a panographic X-ray, which revolves around the head, is taken every 3-5 years.

Your dental cleaning will take between 30-60 minutes. During this time, a member of the Esthetique Dental team will perform the cleaning, with Dr. Darshan Patel coming in for an additional exam at the end of the appointment. For most patients, dental cleanings are completely painless.

During your dental cleaning, the hygiene staff member will 'scale' the teeth. This involves removing any tartar and plaque buildup from the tooth services. The hygienist will also 'dig' into the gum pockets to remove any plaque buildup that is hiding there.

Next, the hygienist will polish and buff the teeth. This will remove any stubborn plaque, and leave your teeth feeling squeaky clean.

During your appointment, Dr. Darshan Patel will also evaluate you for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease usually forms when teeth haven't been cleaned in some time, or have not been cleaned properly. If you have developed periodontal disease, a deep, multi-step cleaning may be in order. There is more information regarding this type of cleaning below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Need X-rays if I Don't Have Any Pain?

X-rays are essential because they show what we cannot see with the naked eye: bone loss from gum disease, developing cysts or tumors, and small cavities forming between teeth or under existing fillings.

How Often Are Dental X-rays Necessary?

We follow the FDA's "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" principle. For healthy patients, we usually recommend bitewing X-rays once per year and a full set every 3-5 years. The frequency is tailored to your individual risk level.

Are Dental X-rays Safe? I Am Concerned About Radiation.

Dental X-rays utilize digital technology, which produces an extremely low amount of radiation—significantly less than you receive from natural sources in the environment. We also use lead aprons for maximum protection.

What is Involved in a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

The exam includes checking every tooth surface for decay, evaluating existing restorations (fillings/crowns), checking your bite, assessing your jaw joints (TMJ), and reviewing the health of your gums.

How Long Does the Exam and X-ray Process Take?

A standard examination, including X-rays and initial discussion, usually takes about 15-20 minutes, which is then followed by your professional cleaning appointment.

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Exams and X-rays?

Most PPO insurance plans cover a high percentage (often 100%) of routine preventative care, including two exams and a set of X-rays per year. We will confirm your specific coverage.

Dental Exams And X-rays
Keller, TX

Dental Exams And X-rays