Dental Exams and Check-Ups
How Important is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.
Why Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They allow us to detect problems early so they may be fixed quickly and easily.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.
What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?
At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.
How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?
The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.
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Patient Review by patti s
Very thorough and professional
- patti s
Patient Review by Carrie O
Friendly and professional staff. They take great care to make sure that I am comfortable and they do an excellent job of informing me of what they are doing and why they are doing it. I would highly recommend this office, for all of your dental needs.
- Carrie O
Patient Review by Tim F
The entire staff is a pleasure to work with. Was in for a cleaning and check up - Sara did an awesome job as always. Thank you all!
- Tim F
Patient Review by Mike S
Awesome appointment, awesome staff
- Mike S
Patient Review by Kristia P
I love the personalized services received by the office. Even though visits are only 2-3x a year, the staff remembers important and meaningful people & events discussed in the last visit.
- Kristia P
Patient Review by Leonard K
Great staff and great service! Thanks!
- Leonard K
Patient Review by Laurie M
Highly recommend this dentist office
- Laurie M
Patient Review by Tammy R
Sara is awesome, she is patient, kind and gentle. Thank you
- Tammy R
Patient Review by Tom K
Dr. Hernon explains everything clearly and handles all procedures very well. Her entire staff is excellent.
- Tom K
Patient Review by Mikee M M
Everyone is great to work with. I feel like I'm apart of their family at each visit.
- Mikee M M
Patient Review by Shannon W
I’ve been going here for years, however this was only the 2nd time I’ve been seen by Dr. Hernon. She is always friendly, and answers all my questions without rushing. Most of the staff have been there as long as I’ve been going there, and every single one of them are amazing!
- Shannon W
Patient Review by Jame
Awesome and friendly staff!
- Jame
Patient Review by margaret L
Great, professional service!!
- margaret L
Patient Review by Frank P
Professional staff and great cleaning.
- Frank P
Patient Review by Paula S
I love going to the dentist at this office. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. I would recommend this practice to anyone.
- Paula S
Patient Review by Allan J
Great service
- Allan J
Patient Review by Craig O
It's said, "You get what you pay for." Well actually, sometimes we don't. But at Dr. Hernon's practice you do; they do high quality work at a moderate price. And I appreciate that they don't try to make extra money off me by pushing extra procedures I don't need, and their office isn't full of over the top entertainment and luxuries that I know I'm paying for. I also like that the staff enjoys working together. That means a more pleasant environment for everyone, staff longevity, and attention focused on their patients without distraction from office stress. Their focus is on the patient's long-view outcome, including the hope that a positive dental experience helps motivate a positive attitude about good oral hygiene at home. Delighted to have found them over three years ago.
- Craig O
Patient Review by Karen C
The least uncomfortable x-rays I have EVER had. And the teeth cleaning was painless also.
- Karen C
Patient Review by Stephan S
The additional cost for "out of network" service with Dr Hernon's office is a very good bargain. I've had bad luck with dental service providers "in network" and much closer to home. Those individuals have earned my distrust. The gain in service quality is disproportionately greater than the additional dollar cost for Dr Hernon's "out of network" status. VERY close to ideal.
- Stephan S
Patient Review by Lucinda A
Excellent, as usual!
- Lucinda A