Regular dental exams and cleanings are an essential part of keeping your smile bright and healthy. Nicholas J. Hurley, D.D.S., P.A. recommends that you make those twice-yearly visits to the dentist a priority. For the past seven years, Dr. Hurley has helped Thomasville, NC, patients care for their teeth by offering a variety of dental care services, including composite fillings, teeth whitening, and braces.

When you visit Nicholas J. Hurley, D.D.S., P.A., he’ll perform a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth. During the exam, the dentist will look for signs of tooth decay and also check your mouth, gums, tissues, tongue, neck, and face for signs of oral cancer. As part of your exam, Dr. Hurley will also examine your gums for any signs of gum disease. If he spots a problem, he’ll recommend the best treatment to prevent further damage.

X-rays help dentists look inside your teeth to spot tooth decay that can’t be detected just by looking at your teeth. Although fillings are essential for treating tooth decay, a small percentage of healthy tooth surface must be removed to place them in your mouth. When tooth decay is spotted early, fillings will be smaller and will have less of an impact on the integrity of your teeth.

Every dental care visit also includes a dental cleaning. During the cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed from your teeth, it eventually becomes hard tartar. This substance can only be removed with special dental instruments. Although brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque, sometimes it’s impossible to remove every speck. Visiting your dentist every six months will help you prevent plaque and tartar from attacking your teeth and gums.

When it’s time for your next dental exam and cleaning, call Nicholas J. Hurley, D.D.S., P.A. at (336) 476-1109. Visit the website or Facebook page to learn more about the dental care services offered by Dr. Hurley.