Dental Exams & Cleanings in Carrboro, NC
The journey toward a healthy, beautiful smile starts here at Milltown Family Dentistry, and we’ll be there with you every step of the way. Our favorite part of being family dentists is that we get to care for your entire family’s needs. Whether you’re bringing your little one in for their first exam or have been coming to us for years for all of your dental needs, we are dedicated to fostering smiles that feel just as great as they look. Drs. Ben Lambeth and Megumi Lambeth know just how important your loved ones’ smiles truly are. That’s why we strive to deliver the very same compassionate care they’ve come to expect for their own family. For an elevated dental experience, schedule your appointment today.
Contact UsThe Importance of Routine Exams & Cleanings
To achieve and maintain a top-notch smile, routine exams and cleanings every six months are a must. Six months is the recommended time interval because it gives us the time needed to catch any issues or concerns while they’re small. This allows us to treat these minor inconveniences with minimal procedures as opposed to letting them culminate into larger issues that require more intensive (and expensive) treatments. We take a conservative approach to dentistry and prefer to focus on prevention. After all, it’s like they say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Part 1: Your Checkup
At these essential appointments, one of our talented dental hygienists and dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and any other potential problems that could arise. Our examinations also include oral cancer screenings, so you can rest assured that all aspects of your oral health are in good shape. At Milltown Family Dentistry, we use leading-edge technology to ensure this process is both comfortable and efficient. Our Nomad® handheld X-ray device allows us to see anything that the naked eye cannot without moving back and forth between rooms. Intraoral cameras give you a dentist’s eye view of everything we’re doing and aids in patient education. Some patients even report a reduction in dental anxiety when they’re able to see what we’re performing!
Part 2: Your Full-Mouth Cleaning
Once we’re finished with the examination portion of your routine checkup, we’ll perform an extensive cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that’s built up in the nooks and crannies that are near-impossible to reach with a toothbrush and floss. The gumline will also be cleaned, helping stave off gum disease that—if left unchecked—could develop into gingivitis or periodontitis. The next step of the dental cleaning process is often referred to amongst patients as the “gritty toothpaste” portion. We use this fluoride-based paste that feels “gritty” to polish your teeth, smoothing the surface of the enamel and minimizing any tiny grooves or crevices in which plaque could buildup.
Additional Treatments
For some patients, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to help aid in the remineralization. This is the process of the re-hardening of your enamel in spots where the bacteria and acid left behind by foods and drinks have softened the enamel and could potentially cause tooth decay.
Another additional treatment we might recommend is to implement dental sealants into your smile. Sealants—made of thin plastic—are bonded to your teeth (usually the back teeth such as premolars and permanent molars) and aid in preventing plaque and food debris from building up in the grooves and crevices of the chewing surface of teeth. While sealants are primarily used on children, it’s certainly not uncommon for adults to get them, too.
Affordable Dental Exams & Cleanings in Carrboro, NC
Don’t let financial concerns stand between you and the fresh, healthy smile you deserve. We offer a variety of financial options to help you fit the care you need into practically any budget. Check out our financial page to learn more about how Milltown Family Dentistry can help you afford your oral healthcare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a standard cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A standard dental cleaning is a preventive treatment that removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains above and slightly below the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a periodontal treatment used when gum disease has caused deeper pockets around the teeth. During a deep cleaning, we carefully remove bacteria and buildup from below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots. We will evaluate your gums during your exam and recommend the appropriate type of cleaning based on your oral health.
Are professional teeth cleanings uncomfortable?
For most patients, professional teeth cleanings are comfortable and straightforward. However, you may experience some mild pressure or sensitivity while plaque and tartar are removed, especially if you have areas of significant buildup or sensitive teeth. Patients with inflamed gums may notice more tenderness during a periodontal cleaning.
We take steps to help you stay comfortable throughout your appointment and can discuss additional options if you are particularly anxious or sensitive. Regular cleanings can also help prevent heavy buildup and gum problems, so the more often you schedule teeth cleanings, the more comfortable they are likely to be.
Are cleanings and exams included in the in-house membership plan?
Our in-house membership plans are designed to make routine dental care more accessible for patients of all ages and dental backgrounds. Our child, adult, and gum maintenance plans all include cleanings and exams as part of their benefits. Each plan is designed around different dental care needs, so coverage, price, and additional benefits vary. In-house membership plans can provide a convenient way for uninsured patients to budget for preventive care while helping your family stay on track with regular dental visits.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time?
If it has been years since your last dental appointment, you are not alone, and there is no reason to feel embarrassed. Our goal is to understand your current oral health and help you move forward with a comfortable, personalized plan. Your first visit may include a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a professional cleaning if appropriate. If we find cavities, gum disease, or other concerns, we will explain your treatment options and prioritize care based on your needs. The most important step is simply scheduling an appointment and getting back on track!