Dental Exams and Cleanings in Northfield, IL

At North Dental, routine dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of excellent oral health. Regular visits to our office in Northfield, IL, allow us to prevent dental problems before they start and detect potential issues in their early stages. Led by Dr. Phillip Moorad, our team offers thorough dental exams and professional cleanings for patients of all ages. We proudly serve Northfield, as well as neighboring communities like Winnetka, Glenview, and Wilmette.

What to Expect During Your Dental Exam

A dental exam at North Dental is much more than just a checkup. It is a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, including your teeth, gums, and other supporting structures. Regular exams are essential to preventing serious issues like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer.

• Comprehensive Oral Health Evaluation: During your exam, Dr. Moorad and our team will assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw. This evaluation helps us catch any potential problems early, such as cavities, signs of gum disease, or enamel wear. By identifying issues early on, we can provide minimally invasive treatments and prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
• Digital X-rays: Our office utilizes advanced digital X-rays to get a complete picture of your oral health. X-rays allow us to detect hidden problems like tooth decay between the teeth, impacted teeth, or issues with the jawbone. Digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure and provide clear, detailed images for precise diagnosis.
• Oral Cancer Screening: As part of our commitment to your overall health, we perform an oral cancer screening during every exam. Early detection of oral cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes, and our screenings ensure that any suspicious lesions or abnormalities are caught as soon as possible.
• Bite and Jaw Evaluation: In addition to assessing your teeth and gums, we’ll also evaluate your bite and jaw alignment. If you experience any pain or discomfort while chewing or moving your jaw, we’ll check for signs of TMJ/TMD disorders and recommend appropriate treatments.

Regular dental exams allow us to track changes in your oral health over time, offering you the best chance for early intervention and the preservation of your natural smile.

The Importance of Professional Dental Cleanings

While daily brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining good oral hygiene, they aren’t enough to remove all the plaque and tartar that build up over time. Professional dental cleanings are a key component of preventive dental care and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

• Plaque and Tartar Removal: Even with proper brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Our hygienists use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
• Gum Disease Prevention: Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. By thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums, we can help prevent the early stages of gum disease and provide advice on how to maintain healthy gums at home. If signs of gum disease are detected, we may recommend a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove tartar from below the gum line.
• Polishing and Fluoride Treatment: After your cleaning, we’ll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling smooth and fresh. We may also recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities, especially for children and adults who are more prone to tooth decay.

How Often Should You Schedule a Dental Exam and Cleaning?

We recommend scheduling a dental exam and cleaning every six months. These biannual visits allow us to stay on top of your oral health, prevent serious problems, and keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best. However, some patients may require more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. For instance, patients with a history of gum disease or those prone to cavities may benefit from more frequent cleanings.

If you’re unsure how often you should visit the dentist, our team will work with you to create a personalized care plan based on your specific needs.

Children's Dental Exams and Cleanings

At North Dental, we offer comprehensive children’s dentistry services to ensure that your child’s teeth remain healthy as they grow. Dental exams and cleanings are just as important for children as they are for adults. Our team works hard to create a fun, welcoming environment that puts kids at ease, making dental visits a positive experience.

• Dental Sealants: To further protect your child’s teeth, we may recommend dental sealants, which are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants provide a barrier against cavities, especially in areas that are hard to clean.
• Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. We often recommend fluoride treatments during your child’s cleaning to help protect their developing teeth.

Emergency Dental Exams and Cleanings

Sometimes, dental issues arise suddenly and require prompt attention. At North Dental, we offer emergency dental care for patients experiencing pain, discomfort, or unexpected dental problems. Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or an infection, our team is here to provide same-day exams and cleanings when necessary.

Personalized Care for Your Unique Needs

At North Dental, we understand that each patient’s oral health needs are unique. That’s why we tailor our dental exams and cleanings to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re visiting for a routine cleaning or have more complex dental concerns, our goal is to provide compassionate, high-quality care that helps you maintain your oral health.

We also offer advanced services such as nightguards for teeth grinding, custom mouthguards for sports, and preventive treatments designed to protect your teeth and gums.