Regular examinations can help you and your family on the path to good oral health and beautiful smiles.

Creating happier smiles, one treatment at a time

Cleaning and Examinations

Many people wonder if making it to their biannual dental appointment is really necessary.

The short answer is – yes!

Good preventive care helps reduce your risk for certain illnesses and can help you achieve and maintain the level of excellent oral health that lets you look and feel your best.

Providing Your Medical History

Your biannual visit is a great opportunity to tell Dr. Hannahan about any issues or discomfort you’ve been experiencing in your mouth. You’ll also want to give a detailed description of your medical history and come prepared with a list of any medications you take.

Knowing your medical history allows Dr. Hannahan to gain a better understanding of your overall health. After all, there is a strong systemic link between the health of your mouth and the prevalence of many serious health concerns. For example, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is associated with heart disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and low birth weight in babies born to mothers with the disease.

Examinations

Symptoms of some dental conditions may be so subtle that only a dentist can identify them.

During your visit, Dr. Hannahan will thoroughly examine your mouth and check for signs of tooth decay. You’ll also be evaluated for risk factors associated with illnesses like bone loss and periodontal disease. This way, potential problems can be identified in their early stages while they are easily treatable.

Dr. Hannahan will also check your bite and may administer x-rays or recommend other diagnostic measures.

Teeth Cleaning

During your visit, your teeth will be gently and professionally cleaned. Your dental team will meticulously remove hard-to-reach plaque. At this time, you may be given tips on how to improve your at-home care routine, and your hygienist can show you proper procedures for brushing and flossing.

A thorough teeth cleaning not only helps improve the health of your teeth but also makes them look great! A good cleaning can actually have a whitening effect on your smile. Your cleaning will leave you looking and feeling great.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Don’t miss your biannual visit! Contact our office and schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pain when biting can have several possible causes, including a cracked tooth, decay, a loose or damaged filling, or inflammation inside or around the tooth. Because different dental problems can cause similar symptoms, an examination is usually needed to determine exactly what is causing the discomfort.

Dr. Hannahan will examine the tooth and may use X-rays or intraoral photographs to help identify the problem. Once we understand the cause, she can explain what she sees and what treatment, if any, may be appropriate.

Cold sensitivity can happen for several reasons. Common causes include exposed tooth roots from gum recession, worn enamel, decay, cracks, or problems with an existing filling or restoration.

Some sensitivity is minor and temporary, while sensitivity that is new, persistent, or worsening may need further evaluation. Dr. Hannahan can examine the area, help determine the cause, and discuss whether treatment is needed or whether the tooth can simply be monitored.

Meet Our Doctor:

Andrea Hannahan DDS

Dr. Andrea Hannahan has been providing compassionate, personalized dental care to patients and families in Spring Hill for more than 15 years. With over two decades of experience in dentistry, she enjoys caring for patients of all ages and helping families establish healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

Dr. Hannahan earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Sixth District Dental Society, …