General Dentist in Jacksonville, FL
Dental Exam & Cleanings
in Jacksonville, FL
Exams and Cleanings in Jacksonville, FL
General dentistry encompasses a wide range of treatments, all designed to help patients achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout their lives. At Point Meadows Dentistry, we understand that every patient has unique dental needs, which is why our approach is both comprehensive and personalized. Whether you're coming in for a routine checkup and cleaning or require more extensive restorative treatments, our experienced team is here to provide the care and support you need.
Our commitment to quality means that we utilize the latest dental technologies and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. From preventative services like cleanings and fluoride treatments to advanced procedures such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants, we are equipped to handle all aspects of your dental care.
We are proud to serve the Jacksonville, Florida, community, offering a welcoming environment where patients of all ages can receive the dental care they deserve. Our goal is not just to treat dental issues as they arise but to work with you to develop a proactive plan that promotes long-term oral health and a beautiful, confident smile.
Comprehensive Oral Exam | A Proactive Approach to Your Oral Health
Even with the most diligent at-home dental care routine, it's essential to visit your dentist regularly to maintain optimal oral health. At Point Meadows Dentistry, we understand that some dental issues can develop silently, without noticeable symptoms, until they reach more advanced stages. By the time pain or visible signs appear, the problem may already be causing significant damage. This is why regular dental checkups are crucial—they allow us to identify potential issues early on, before they become more serious and require more extensive treatment.
For most people, visiting the dentist twice a year is sufficient to keep their teeth and gums healthy. However, dental needs vary from person to person; some individuals may require more frequent visits due to their unique oral health conditions, while others might be able to maintain their oral health with fewer visits. Your dentist can help determine the best schedule based on your specific needs.
A comprehensive dental exam is more than just a quick look at your teeth. It involves a thorough examination of your entire mouth, including your teeth, gums, and other important structures. This type of exam is typically conducted when you're a new patient at our practice and is recommended at least once a year for ongoing patients. It's an essential part of preventive care, ensuring that any potential issues are caught early.
During a Comprehensive Oral Exam at Point Meadows Dentistry, you can expect:
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Oral Exam: A detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health to check for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues.
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X-Rays: Advanced imaging to provide a clear view of the internal structures of your mouth, helping to detect problems that are not visible during the visual exam.
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Cancer Screening: A vital part of your exam that involves checking for any signs of oral cancer or other abnormalities in your mouth, lips, and throat.
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Treatment Plan: Based on the findings, we will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you maintain a healthy smile.
Even if you are diligent about caring for your gums and teeth, professional evaluations are key to sustaining your oral health over time. Our team at Point Meadows Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL, is committed to providing comprehensive dental care that goes beyond the basics. Schedule your comprehensive dental exam today and take a proactive step towards preserving your oral health for years to come.
Routine Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning: Understanding the Difference
Routine Cleaning: Professional teeth cleanings, typically scheduled twice a year, are a fundamental part of maintaining good oral health. During these visits, X-rays are generally taken once a year to monitor your dental health, although additional exams may be recommended by our team based on our observations.
During a routine dental cleaning, our hygienist uses specialized tools to meticulously remove plaque and tartar deposits from the surfaces of your teeth. While daily brushing and flossing are crucial in preventing plaque buildup, once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by a professional. Regular cleanings help to keep your teeth and gums healthy by eliminating these harmful deposits before they cause further issues.
Scaling and Root Planing: When there is a significant buildup of bacteria and tartar, or when dental "pockets" have formed between the teeth and gums, a more intensive procedure known as scaling and root planing—often referred to as a "deep cleaning"—is necessary. This advanced cleaning is crucial for addressing and preventing more serious dental issues, such as periodontal disease.
Dental pockets form when gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating spaces that can become filled with bacteria and tartar. If left untreated, these pockets can lead to complications like periodontal disease, which may eventually result in tooth loss. Scaling and root planing is performed when these pockets exceed 4mm in depth.
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Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above and below the gum line, including within the gum pockets.
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Root planing goes deeper, cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar, helping the gums reattach to the teeth.
Unlike routine cleanings, scaling and root planing can require multiple appointments to complete, depending on the severity of the tartar buildup and the depth of the gum pockets. This procedure is more extensive, often focusing on specific areas of the mouth at each visit.
In severe cases, a follow-up visit is essential to monitor the health of your teeth and gums. If you have periodontal disease, a deep cleaning can be instrumental in halting or even reversing the disease's progression. Many patients notice significant improvements in their oral health within three months of undergoing a deep cleaning.
At Point Meadows Dentistry, our goal is to provide you with the care you need to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you require a routine cleaning or a deep cleaning, our experienced team is here to ensure your dental health is in excellent condition.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
It is recommended that you have a routine examination and cleaning, twice a year. This recommendation dates back to the 1890s when most people had tooth decay.
There are a few situations that we may suggest cleanings more than twice a year, here are a few reasons:
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If you have a history of periodontal disease, you should get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent the recurrence of infections or disease. Specifically, with periodontal disease, we will typically set you up on three month recalls.
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If you suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes due to their link to dental problems.
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If you smoke, you should consider quitting. Smoking can permanently stain your teeth and create other tooth and gum problems. If you do not intend to quit smoking, you should get your teeth cleaned more frequently.
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Those at higher risk for cavities or are in active dental treatment, may require recall intervals as short as three months.
What Type of Cleaning do I Need?
After an oral exam, we will determine which type of cleaning will benefit you the most. During the exam, we will check the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums(pockets). Ideally, you want the measurement number to be below 4mm. If the number is above 4mm, we may diagnose a deep cleaning(Scaling and Root Planing) instead of a routine cleaning.
What does Bleeding Gums Mean?
You have probably heard your hygienist mention that your gums are bleeding, with a follow-up question about your flossing habits. If you have a lot of bacteria buildup in your mouth, it can irritate your gums to where they are more sensitive and susceptible to bleed easily. This can happen after your teeth cleaning because we have to brush and touch instruments against your teeth and gums. This gum sensitivity may last for a day or two after a cleaning, but this will go away. The moral of the story is.. If your teeth are bleeding it is very likely your floss schedule is out of sync.
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Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the tissues that support and hold your teeth in place, often resulting from poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to accumulate and harden on the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can progress to more advanced stages, leading to painful chewing, sores, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. It’s a condition that requires immediate attention to prevent long-term damage to your oral health.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Several factors can contribute to the development of periodontal disease, with smoking being the most significant. Smoking not only increases the risk of developing the disease but also reduces the success rate of treatment. Other risk factors include diabetes, hormonal changes in women and girls, certain medications that decrease saliva flow, certain illnesses, and a genetic predisposition to gum disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
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Persistent bad breath
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Red and/or swollen gums
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Tender or bleeding gums
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Painful chewing
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Loose or shifting teeth
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Sensitive teeth
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Receding gums
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional care from a trusted dentist near you in Jacksonville, FL, to prevent the condition from worsening.
What is a Periodontal Evaluation?
At Point Meadows Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority. That’s why we offer comprehensive periodontal evaluations to ensure your gums and the surrounding tissues are in optimal health. Periodontal health is the cornerstone of a beautiful smile and is essential to your overall well-being.
During your periodontal evaluation at Point Meadows Dentistry, our experienced dental professionals will:
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Assess the health of your gums and surrounding tissues
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Identify any signs of gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis
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Measure the depth of your gum pockets to determine the severity of any issues
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Provide personalized recommendations for treatment and prevention
Whether you’ve noticed symptoms like gum sensitivity and bleeding, or you want to take a proactive approach to safeguard your oral health, a periodontal evaluation is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy smile.
Don’t wait to take control of your gum health. Contact Point Meadows Dentistry, your trusted "dentist near me" in Jacksonville, FL, to schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation today. Our friendly team is here to answer any questions and ensure you receive the best possible care. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How can I keep my teeth and gums happy?Brushing your teeth twice a day, and using a fluoride toothpaste at least once. Flossing regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Visiting Point Meadows Dentistry routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning. Quitting smoking.
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Is Periodontal Disease reversible?The disease is still reversible at this stage and can usually be eliminated by thorough brushing and flossing. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged beyond repair.
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What are the stages of gum disease?Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. Periodontitis: This is your final warning to take your treatment seriously. The supporting bone and tissue that keeps your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque causing more issues and possibly infections. Advanced Periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease, the tissue and bone supporting your teeth are permanently destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen.
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Can you get Gum Disease without any teeth?Yes, gum disease is an ailment of the gums, and is independent of the teeth.
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Can your gums grow back?Gum tissue doesn't regenerate the way other types of tissue does. As a result, receding gums don't grow back.
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Can teeth whitening be painful?When performed by a dental professional, teeth whitening is an effective and safe way to brighten your smile. The most common side effect of whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity. In extreme cases the sensitivity can last up to a few days. It’s important to consult your dentist, to make sure you are a candidate for teeth whitening and to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
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How long do Veneers last?Veneers generally last between 7 and 15 years, depending on material. After this time, the veneers would need to be replaced.
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Are Veneers covered under insurance?The cost of veneers is not typically covered by insurance. To be certain, check with your dental insurance company.
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Are there alternatives to Veneers?Yes, bondings and crowns are alternative options. Veneers may be the best option for individuals who want to change the color and shape of their teeth more than just a little bit, but not enough to require a crown.
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My teeth are sensitive, what other whitening options do I have?"To avoid a hypersensitive reaction, we may recommend take-home bleaching trays with a lower concentration of carbamide peroxide – which is not as potent as hydrogen peroxide.
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Is teeth whitening permanent?In-office bleaching is not a permanent solution. Like your teeth prior to the treatment, they will remain susceptible to stains. We will recommend you follow-up your treatment with a lower-percentage bleach in-home treatment that can be kept on the teeth for longer periods of time.
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What is the difference between a cap and a dental crown?A crown is a prosthetic treatment for a broken or badly decayed tooth. A “cap” is an older term and is now commonly used to refer to dental crowns.
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How long do conventional dentures last?The average life expectancy of a denture is seven to ten years. The denture itself is designed to last considerably longer than this, however the shape of your mouth/jawbone will change requiring new dentures.
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How long does a dental crown last?On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. This depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown takes, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal habits.
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How do you know if your dental crown needs to be replaced?There are a few indicators that your crown needs to replaced, here are a few common reasons: Your dental crown is old. Dental crowns can last for more than fifteen years before seeing any damage. Wear and tear Pain or swelling around the tooth Receding gum line
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My dental crown fell off, what do I do?"Simply, sometimes crowns fall off. Most often the reason is from the decay of the underlying tooth or loosening of the cementing material used to place the crown. If your crown comes off, clean the crown and the front of the tooth. Contact Point Meadows Dentistry immediately, we will give you specific instructions on how to care for the tooth and crown for the day or so until you can be seen for an evaluation. We may be able to re-cement the crown in place; if not, a new crown will need to be made.
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How long do you have to wait to get dentures after teeth are pulled?Typically, six to eight weeks after the extractions. This allows sufficient time for the mouth to heal. We will re-examine your mouth to ensure enough time has passed prior to fitting your dentures.
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Are dentures typically covered by Dental Insurance?Most complete coverage dental insurance policies include some restorative coverage, typically up to 50% of the cost of dentures is covered. Co-pays and regular deductibles still apply.
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Can your gums grow back?Gum tissue doesn't regenerate the way other types of tissue does. As a result, receding gums don't grow back.
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Why do my dentures keep falling out?The most common reason for loose-fitting dentures is a process known as bone resorption, where the gums begin to shrink due to them no longer needing to hold your teeth in place followed by bone loose.
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What is the difference between a cap and a dental crown?A crown is a prosthetic treatment for a broken or badly decayed tooth. A “cap” is an older term and is now commonly used to refer to dental crowns.
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How long do conventional dentures last?The average life expectancy of a denture is seven to ten years. The denture itself is designed to last considerably longer than this, however the shape of your mouth/jawbone will change requiring new dentures.
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How long does a dental crown last?On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. This depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown takes, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal habits.
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How do you know if your dental crown needs to be replaced?Your dental crown is old. Dental crowns can last for more than fifteen years before seeing any damage. Wear and tear Pain or swelling around the tooth Receding gum line
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My dental crown fell off, what do I do?"Simply, sometimes crowns fall off. Most often the reason is from the decay of the underlying tooth or loosening of the cementing material used to place the crown. If your crown comes off, clean the crown and the front of the tooth. Contact Point Meadows Dentistry immediately, we will give you specific instructions on how to care for the tooth and crown for the day or so until you can be seen for an evaluation. We may be able to re-cement the crown in place; if not, a new crown will need to be made.
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How long do you have to wait to get dentures after teeth are pulled?Typically, six to eight weeks after the extractions. This allows sufficient time for the mouth to heal. We will re-examine your mouth to ensure enough time has passed prior to fitting your dentures.
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Are dentures typically covered by Dental Insurance?Most complete coverage dental insurance policies include some restorative coverage, typically up to 50% of the cost of dentures is covered. Co-pays and regular deductibles still apply.
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Why do my dentures keep falling out?The most common reason for loose-fitting dentures is a process known as bone resorption, where the gums begin to shrink due to them no longer needing to hold your teeth in place followed by bone loose.