Preventive dental care is all about stopping problems before they start. It’s a team effort between you, our Indianapolis dentist, and the dental staff to keep your natural teeth and gums healthy for life. Taking care of your teeth at home by brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet is the first step. Dr. Chris Hardin and his team continue that care with regular dental exams and cleanings in Indianapolis, IN as part of our general dental services.
When you stay on top of your dental health, you can avoid pain, save money, and enjoy a clean, confident smile. Our friendly dental hygienists in Indianapolis provide gentle, professional cleanings to help you stay healthy and smiling.
Your Complete Dental Exam & Cleaning in Indianapolis
Wondering what actually happens during your checkup? At your first visit with us, Dr. Hardin performs a comprehensive exam to get to know your smile. At every routine visit after that, our team works together to give you a complete picture of your oral health. Here’s what you can expect:
Your Dental Exam Includes:
- Diagnostic X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface.
- A thorough oral cancer screening.
- A gum disease evaluation to check for early signs of gingivitis.
- A close look for any tooth decay or weakened areas.
- A check on any existing fillings, crowns, or restorations.
Following your exam, you’ll receive a professional teeth cleaning from one of our skilled Registered Dental Hygienists. We don’t just polish, we give your teeth a fresh start. Here’s how each step benefits you:
- Tartar Removal: Have you ever felt a rough spot on your tooth that brushing won’t fix? That’s tartar, or plaque that has hardened into a cement-like deposit. We gently remove it with specialized tools, cleaning both above and below your gum line to set the stage for healthy gums.
- Plaque Removal: Plaque is that sticky film you feel when you wake up. Left alone, the bacteria in it can irritate your gums and cause redness and bleeding. This is the first stage of gum disease. We carefully clear it away to calm inflammation.
- Teeth Polishing: This is the finishing touch! Polishing sweeps away any remaining stains and biofilm, leaving your teeth incredibly smooth and your smile noticeably brighter.
When You Need More: Our Deep Cleaning for Gum Health
If our exam shows signs of gum disease (periodontitis), we may recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Think of this as a more intensive reset for your gum health.
We start by meticulously cleaning above the gum line. Then, if needed, we focus below the gum line, carefully removing hardened bacteria (calculus) from the pockets that form around teeth. Finally, Dr. Hardin smooths the tooth roots during the root planing process. This critical step helps your gums reattach firmly to the teeth.
Your comfort is our priority throughout. We often apply a special antimicrobial cream afterward to soothe the area and promote healing. For patients managing gum disease, these cleanings every 3 to 4 months are key to stopping the infection, protecting your jawbone, and keeping your teeth secure and healthy for the long term.
Why Is Teeth Cleaning Important?
Getting regular cleanings helps stop gum disease from getting worse. Gum disease starts when plaque bacteria collect around your gums. This causes inflammation that can damage your gums and bone over time. As the infection gets worse, your teeth may loosen or fall out.
The spaces between your gums and teeth (called pockets) can get deeper and hold more bacteria. These bacteria can even travel through your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. That’s why cleanings are so important for your dental and overall health. We provide periodontal disease treatment if needed, but we want to prevent this problem from happening in the first place.
Some of the main benefits of dental cleanings in our Indianapolis, IN, office include:
Tartar Removal
Even if you brush and floss every day, it’s hard to clean deep below the gum line. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which can lead to gum disease. A dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar that you can’t get rid of at home.
Cleaner, Whiter Teeth
Stains from food, drinks, or tobacco can make your teeth look yellow or dull. A professional cleaning helps remove these surface stains. Cleanings every six months can keep your teeth bright.
Fresher Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common dental problem. Bad breath is often caused by food particles and bacteria hiding below the gum line. Regular cleanings remove these odors and leave your mouth feeling fresh.
Early Detection of Health Problems
Dentists can spot early signs of serious health issues during your cleaning. Dr. Hardin will check for things like gum disease, oral cancer, and even signs of health problems like diabetes or kidney disease. He can also give you advice on how to take better care of your teeth at home.
Seeing the Unseen: Our Advanced Diagnostic Technology
At our Indianapolis practice, we believe the best dental care starts with a complete picture. That’s why we use advanced diagnostic tools like digital X-rays and intraoral cameras. These technologies allow Dr. Hardin to spot hidden problems long before they could cause you pain or become more complex to treat. Think of it as preventive care for your smile’s future, saving you time, discomfort, and expense.
We know safety is a top concern for our patients, and we take it seriously.
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
Absolutely. We exclusively use modern digital X-ray systems, which require up to 90% less radiation than old-fashioned film X-rays. The amount of radiation is exceptionally low, often less than you’d get from a short flight. We always use lead aprons for added protection and are thoughtful about only taking the images necessary for your care.
How Often Will I Need Them?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For most adults, we recommend bitewing X-rays (which check for cavities between your back teeth) once a year. New patients typically get a full set of X-rays to establish a baseline, which is then good for several years. Dr. Hardin will recommend a schedule based entirely on your individual health history and needs.
We’re committed to digital X-rays because of:
- Unmatched Clarity: We can instantly enlarge images on a chairside monitor, helping us detect the tiniest cracks or earliest signs of decay.
- Better for You & the Planet: Beyond using minimal radiation, there are no harsh chemicals or film to dispose of.
- Seamless Sharing: If you ever need a specialist, we can send your crystal-clear images electronically for a faster, more coordinated consultation.
See Your Smile Through Our Eyes: Intraoral Cameras
Ever wished you could see what your dentist sees? Now you can. During your exam, Dr. Hardin might use a small, pen-sized intraoral camera.
We’ll guide the camera inside your mouth, and a live, magnified video of your teeth will appear on the screen next to you. This means you can see exactly what we see: the early staining that could turn into a cavity, a tiny crack in a filling, or the health of your gums.
How This Helps You:
- No More Guesswork: Instead of taking our word for it, you can see the evidence for yourself. You’ll be an informed partner in your treatment decisions.
- Early Problem-Solving: Spotting a small issue on screen allows us to plan simple, preventive care before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Track Your Progress: If we’re monitoring an area, we can save images to compare over time and show you how well your treatment or home care is working.
The Big Picture: Panoramic X-Rays
For certain situations, we need a broader view. A panoramic X-ray is a single image that captures your entire oral landscape. This includes all your teeth, jawbones, sinuses, and joints in one wraparound photo.
We might recommend one if you’re experiencing significant jaw pain, to check the position of wisdom teeth, or to plan for treatments like dental implants, braces, or dentures. It’s also excellent for patients with a strong gag reflex, as the machine rotates outside your mouth.
The process is straightforward. You’ll stand or sit still for about 15-20 seconds while the imaging unit rotates around your head. It’s a safe, efficient way for Dr. Hardin to get the comprehensive view needed to solve more complex dental puzzles and ensure your treatment plan is built on a complete understanding of your unique anatomy.
Oral Cancer Exam
According to research conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that we can easily diagnose oral cancer with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.
You can get oral cancer in these areas:
- Lips
- Mouth
- Tongue
- Salivary Glands
- Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
- Gums
- Face
Oral cancer screenings help find early signs of cancer in the mouth. Catching oral cancer early makes it easier to treat and can save lives. Many cases of oral cancer are linked to habits like smoking, using tobacco, and drinking too much alcohol. Our dentist in Indianapolis can help you understand how to make healthier choices and may offer advice or resources to help you quit smoking.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Exam
An oral cancer exam is quick and painless. During your visit, Dr. Hardin will carefully check your mouth, face, neck, and jaw for anything unusual.
Some signs our dentist will look for include:
- Red or white patches in the mouth or on the tongue, especially if they don’t heal
- Sores that bleed easily or take a long time to heal
- Leukoplakia, which looks like a thick white or gray patch that may become cancerous if not treated
- Lumps or thickened areas in the throat, tongue, or anywhere in the mouth
If Dr. Hardin finds something concerning, he may recommend a follow-up visit or perform a biopsy. A biopsy means taking a small sample of tissue to check if it’s cancer. From there, he can refer you to a specialist for treatment. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
Our dentist checks for signs of oral cancer at your regular dental checkups. But it’s a good idea to get a full, detailed oral cancer screening at least once a year, especially if you use tobacco or alcohol. Regular screenings and attention to changes in your mouth can help catch oral cancer early and make treatment easier and more successful.
Request a Dental Visit Today
Get a comfortable dental exam and cleaning in our Indianapolis, IN office today. Call Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today at 317-830-0073. You can also request an appointment online.