Dental Exams and Check-Ups
How Important is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria accumulates to form plaque, if left untreated, plaque can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis- a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease.
Routine dental care and regular check-ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.
Why Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams allow us the opportunity to evaluate your current dental care regimen and provide constructive suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be treated quickly and easily.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams should generally take place every six months.
Since each patient is unique, consult with your doctor to decide on how often you should be examined. For some patients, we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as: smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.
What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?
At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. X-rays may be taken to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.
How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?
- The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice consistent, good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice-a-day and flossing at least once a day is highly recommended.
- Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas.
- You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history (recent or upcoming medical procedures and current medications you are taking), insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and dental health!
- Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.