Dental Cleanings and Exams in Billings, MT

Maintaining Optimal Oral Health with Dr. Thomas

Preventative care methods are vital for good oral health. Regular dental visits and other preventative care methods can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile well into the future. Learn how our Billings, MT preventive dentist, Dr. Joseph Thomas, helps detect and prevent dental problems early.

What Can You Expect During a Dental Cleaning?

Regular dental cleanings and exams are the basis of modern-day dentistry. They help prevent serious dental issues from developing and allow your dentist to keep accurate records of your oral health.

During a dental cleaning with Dr. Thomas, you can expect a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. Our team will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease. Your teeth will also be polished to remove any surface stains, leaving them looking and feeling clean.

Dr. Thomas will also examine your mouth for any signs of oral health issues, including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early detection of these issues can help prevent further damage to your oral health.

The Importance of Preventative Care

Preventative care is essential in maintaining good oral health. Regular dental cleanings and exams can help prevent serious dental issues from developing, such as cavities and gum disease. By detecting these issues early, Dr. Thomas can provide prompt treatment to prevent further damage to your oral health.

In addition to dental cleanings and exams, we also offer other preventative services to help maintain good oral health.

Our Other Preventative Services

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is a serious condition that can develop without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. That's why it's important to undergo regular oral cancer screenings. During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Thomas will examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer, such as sores, white or red patches, or lumps. If any potentially abnormal tissues are found, we may recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist.

Laser Gum Therapy

Gum disease is a common condition that can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. Dr. Thomas offers gum disease treatment to treat the condition and prevent the condition from progressing. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may involve scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and/or surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have a dental cleaning?

We recommend that you have a dental cleaning every six months to maintain good oral health. However, this recommendation may vary depending on your individual needs. Some patients may require more frequent cleanings if they have a history of dental issues such as gum disease or frequent cavities.

Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking or a diet high in sugar, may increase your risk for dental problems and require more frequent cleanings. Your dentist will evaluate your individual needs during your appointment and recommend a cleaning schedule that is best for you.

Are dental cleanings painful?

Dental cleanings are typically not painful. However, some patients may experience discomfort or sensitivity during the cleaning process. This discomfort may be caused by factors such as gum inflammation or tooth sensitivity.

Your dentist and our team will do our best to ensure your comfort throughout the cleaning process. We may use a local anesthetic or recommend a desensitizing toothpaste to minimize any discomfort you may experience.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

Is dental cleaning covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover regular dental cleanings and exams. However, the extent of coverage may vary depending on your plan. Our team can work with you to determine your coverage and provide information on any out-of-pocket costs.

We will also work with you to ensure that you receive the care you need while staying within your budget. If you do not have insurance, we offer a variety of payment options to help make dental care more affordable.

Transform Your Smile with Preventative Care from Dr. Thomas

At Thomas Smile Designs in Billings, MT, we believe that preventative dentistry is the key to maintaining optimal oral health. Whether you're a new patient looking for a dental home or a current patient in need of a checkup, we’re here to help.

As a new patient, call us at (406) 298-4485 to schedule an appointment. If you're a current patient, call us at (406) 256-5165 to schedule your next checkup. Together, we can work to ensure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come. Don't delay, call us today!

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