Comprehensive Preventive Care: The Importance of Your Dental Checkup

Regular dental checkups are one of the most crucial steps you can take to maintain your oral health and overall well-being. At Papageorgiou Dental Associates in Natick, MA, we offer comprehensive and thoughtful dental checkups designed to maintain the health of your teeth and gums for a lifetime. Our patient-centered approach focuses on preventive care, ensuring that any potential issues are detected early before they can develop into more serious complications.

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What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

Your visit to our Natick office will be thorough, gentle, and tailored to your specific needs. While every appointment is personalized, a standard checkup includes several key steps to ensure nothing is missed.

1. Review of Your Health History
We begin by reviewing and updating your medical and dental history. This ensures that any care we provide is safe and considers your current health, any medications you are taking, and any new concerns you may have.

2. Thorough Oral Examination
Your dentist will meticulously examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. We look for early signs of cavities, check the stability of existing fillings or crowns, and screen for any other abnormalities.

3. Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation
Using a small measuring tool, we will assess the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. This evaluation is critical for catching early signs of gingivitis or more advanced periodontitis (gum disease). Early intervention can prevent serious complications, including bone and tooth loss.

4. Bite and Jaw Assessment
We check your bite alignment and the function of your jaw joints (TMJ). This helps us identify signs of issues, such as teeth grinding or clenching, which can cause tooth wear and jaw pain.

5. Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a routine and critical part of every checkup. Your dentist will carefully examine your mouth for any unusual sores or patches, as early detection plays a vital role in successful treatment.

6. Professional Dental Cleaning
Our skilled hygienists will perform a professional cleaning to gently remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. This process includes:

• Scaling: Carefully removing buildup that cannot be eliminated by regular brushing and flossing.
• Polishing: Smoothing the tooth surfaces to make them feel fresh and make it more difficult for new plaque to accumulate.

7. Diagnostic Imaging
When necessary, we use low-radiation digital X-rays or panoramic imaging to get a clear view of what is happening below the surface. These images help us detect hidden decay, bone loss, or other issues not visible during the oral exam.

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Meet The Doctors

At Papageorgiou Dental Associates, patients are cared for by Dr. Christina Papageorgiou and Dr. Paola Buckley, both highly experienced dentists dedicated to providing exceptional general, restorative, and periodontal care.

Dr. Christina Papageorgiou, D.D.S., earned her doctorate from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and completed her residency at the university's Chicago campus. She is the recipient of numerous awards for clinical excellence, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award.

Dr. Paola A. Buckley, DMD, CAGS, DSc, obtained her D.D.S. in Bogotá, Colombia, before earning a Doctor of Science in Oral Biology from Boston University. She later completed a two-year specialization in Clinical Periodontology and Implantology at Boston University, and her care is guided by her extensive experience in clinical research.

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Schedule Your Appointment Today

Take the most important step in protecting your smile. Contact our office to schedule your comprehensive dental checkup.

Papageorgiou Dental Associates
959 Worcester St
Natick, MA
01760
Phone: (508) 545-1126