Cleanings and Exams
Visiting your dentist for regular checkups might seem like another task on a long to-do list, but it's more than that. It's a path to maintaining a brilliant smile, ensuring overall health, and sidestepping costly and invasive treatments in the future.
At Morris Plains Center for Dentistry, Dr. Bagley and our team want to help you understand the importance of these visits and how they help your family maintain healthy smiles.
Oral Health and Your Overall Wellness
Your mouth is a gateway to your body. Gum or periodontal disease affects more than your teeth and gums and has been linked to numerous bodily conditions:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dementia
The list goes on and on, and new connections are being discovered all the time. The bottom line is that if your teeth and gums aren't healthy, your overall health and wellness are at risk.
What to Expect during a Dental Exam
A routine checkup at our Morris Plains dental office typically includes the following:
- A Warm Welcome — When you step into our Morris Plains dental office, our friendly team will welcome you warmly.
- Comprehensive Exam — Dr. Bagley will ask about your concerns, thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth, check for cavities, ensure your dental work is in good condition, and screen for oral cancer.
- Modern Technology — Digital x-rays capture detailed images, and intraoral cameras give you a visual tour of your mouth, helping you better understand your oral health situation.
- Patient Education — Knowledge is power. Dr. Bagley will discuss his findings with you and answer your questions to empower you to take charge of your oral health.
Should Dr. Bagley pinpoint a concern, he will make recommendations and explain your options to ensure your treatment plan aligns with your needs and preferences.
The Magic Behind Teeth Cleanings
You brush, you floss. So, why do you need professional cleanings? At-home oral hygiene alone is crucial, but your brush and floss can miss hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth and under dental work. Plaque and tartar buildup in these spots, increasing your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
During routine teeth cleanings, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup using specialized instruments to reach every crevice your brush and floss can't. They can also identify early signs of gum disease and recommend treatment to prevent it from progressing.
Your cleaning appointments end with a polishing to brighten your smile and give your teeth a fresh, clean feeling.
Are You Due or Overdue for a Dental Checkup?
Has it been too long since your last routine checkup? There's no need to worry! At Morris Plains Center for Dentistry, we don't judge; we start right where you are and look forward to helping you achieve a healthier smile. Call us at (973) 644-0088 to schedule your next appointment with us.
Benefits of Routine Dental Checkups
Protect Your Oral Health
Minimize Dental Emergencies
Avoid Complex Treatment
Testimonial
Dr. Bagley is professional, thorough, kind, and explains things well.
Saw Dr. Bagley for my first appointment today, routine X-rays and cleaning. The front desk staff is courteous and friendly and his assistant Karina is lovely. Dr. Bagley is professional, thorough, kind, and explains things well. I think I received great care and am very happy with the practice so far.
Our Team
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Dr. Joshua Bagley
Dr. Bagley received his Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where he was inducted into the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society. He then ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Bagley recommends professional dental cleanings and examinations twice a year or every six months for most patients. This schedule allows us to monitor your oral health, remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup, and catch potential problems in their earliest stages when they're easiest to treat.
Care Tailored to Your Unique Needs
While twice-yearly visits work well for many patients, Dr. Bagley believes in creating personalized care plans based on your specific oral health status. You may benefit from more frequent visits if you have:
- A history of gum disease
- Recurring cavities or decay
- Compromised immune system
- Diabetes or other medical conditions affecting oral health
- Significant dental work requiring closer monitoring
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene at home
Dr. Bagley evaluates your current oral health status during each examination and may adjust your recommended visit frequency accordingly.
Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter
Regular visits to Morris Plains Center for Dentistry help maintain your oral health through:
- Professional removal of hardened tartar that can't be eliminated by brushing
- Early detection of decay before it causes pain or requires extensive treatment
- Oral cancer screenings that could potentially save your life
- Identification of issues related to clenching, grinding, or bite alignment
Patients throughout Morris Plains, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Randolph, and Dover who maintain regular dental appointments typically experience fewer dental emergencies and require less extensive treatment over time.
Call (973) 644-0088 today to schedule your next dental cleaning and examination with Dr. Bagley.
Cleanings and Exams Technology
Intraoral Cameras
This pen-sized digital camera allows Dr. Bagley to capture detailed images of your teeth and gums, instantly displaying them on a screen you can view together. This technology transforms how we communicate about your oral health showing you exactly what concerns need addressing. Patients appreciate seeing their own teeth, which leads to a better understanding of treatment recommendations and more informed decisions.