Visit a dental professional twice a year for a routine dental exam. Your routine dental exam may include X-rays, a gum health assessment, a dental cleaning, and an evaluation to diagnose cavities and the risk of developing other oral problems.
A dentist or hygienist will likely discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits and may demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Depending on the result of your oral health check-up, you may have to see your provider more often.
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During your dental visit, the dentist will perform a gum health assessment. After the assessment, the dental professional will recommend the type of cleaning that best suits your dental needs. The two most commonly offered cleanings are a regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis) or a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).
Other treatments may be suggested by your dental provider, such as placing an antimicrobial under the gum or using a prescription mouth rinse after your dental cleaning. Know all your options and consult with your dental provider.
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Regular cleaning is recommended for those with healthy gums and minimal tartar buildup above the gum line. Deep cleaning is recommended for patients with gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing and a moderate buildup of tartar above and below the gums.
After having a deep cleaning, it is important to note that more frequent cleanings may be needed to maintain the gums and supporting structures of the mouth in good health. Your dental provider may recommend dental cleanings every 3-5 months.
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Depending on the patient’s disability, if extensive treatment is required, the dental provider may refer you to a specialist who can treat the patient under conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
Individuals who suffer from a developmental disability, such as Down’s Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, are more prone to periodontal (gum) disease due to the challenges faced in effectively brushing their teeth daily, and as a side effect of other medications they might be taking. Routine visits to a dental provider (every 3-4 months) for cleanings, also known as a ‘full mouth debridement,’ may be recommended.
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A dental provider or dental professional is a licensed individual who can provide dental services to you. A dental office is not limited to a dentist. There are many other types of dental providers. You may receive a preventive dental service from a Registered Dental Hygienist, a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice, or a Periodontist.
Services provided by these professionals are not limited to dental clinics. You may be able to receive services in your community at a school, a nursing home, or a mobile dental van. A few preventive treatments include: a dental cleaning, fluoride varnish application, placement of sealants, and placement of a temporary filling.
Restorative treatments can only be provided by a dentist in a clinical or community setting; these treatments include permanent cavity fillings, tooth extractions, and root canal therapies.
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Medi-Cal offers comprehensive preventative and restorative dental benefits to both children and adults. Most adults who qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal automatically receive Medi-Cal dental benefits. If your child has Medi-Cal, they automatically have dental coverage until age 21.
Visit the Find a Dentist tool to find a local Medi-Cal Dental Provider or call 1-800-322-6384 for assistance.
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