Regular Dental Checkup
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. It’s a critical part of your oral health and something we recommend to all of our patrons. Dental checkups should be completed every six months to maintain proper, optimal health.
Teeth Cleanings and Exams
As leading dental hygienists, we believe in the power of teeth cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride to prevent dental disease. We focus on thorough dental care exams to check your teeth, gums, and overall health. At Hall Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we are equally concerned about your smile and well-being.
- You can expect a typical new patient hygiene and cleaning appointment to go as follows:
- Our front staff will welcome you with typical information gathering and answer any dental care questions you may have.
- Next, your dental hygienist will greet you in the waiting room.
- If dental X-rays or photos are required, they will be taken to understand the overall health of your mouth and accurately diagnose any dental issue.
- Then, your dental hygienist will clean, polish, floss and fluoride teeth.
- Next, we will take a periodontal chart to write and record gingival and overall oral conditions relating to oral and periodontal (gum) health.
- Meet the doctor for an exam and discuss any areas of concern you may have or want to address.
- During your appointment with the doctor, please feel free to inquire about any dental concerns you may have openly.
- Schedule any needed treatment or simply your next 6-month cleaning appointment.
Expect this first appointment to take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours so that we don’t rush you through or provide too much information too quickly for you.
Preventative Care Strategies
In addition to having your teeth cleaned and stains polished off, our comfortable dental cleaning also provides other preventative services, such as the following:
Dental Sealants: Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.
Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children, but our adult patients can use the service for only $29.
Oral Cancer Screenings: This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screening could save your life. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.
Diagnostic X-rays: Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth to treat them in the least invasive manner before they worsen.
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Why are dental checkups important?
Regular dental checkups are essential for several reasons. Trained dentists can detect oral health issues that may not be noticeable otherwise. During a dental checkup, you can expect screenings for oral cancer, digital X-rays to uncover hidden problems, and professional cleanings to remove plaque, bacteria, and other buildups that brushing and flossing alone may not address.
Early detection of gum disease is crucial since it is the primary cause of tooth loss. Once gum disease has progressed, it cannot be reversed; it can only be managed or treated with replacement options. During the checkup, the dental hygienist will measure the gum “pocket” around each tooth and identify areas that may be challenging to clean with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are used in combination with these measurements to identify any bone recession.
Read: Take Care of Your Teeth With Regular Dental Checkups -
How often should you get dental checkups?
Dental checkups are recommended every six months. During your first visit, the dentist will ask for your complete health history to understand your current and past health. Regular dental checkups help monitor any changes in your oral health and ensure that your teeth and mouth are well-maintained.
The American Dental Association and most dentists recommend this frequency as the cleaning and maintenance during each visit are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Typically, a six-month interval is suitable for removing tartar and stains. However, for individuals with a history of gum disease, visits may need to occur every 3-4 months.
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What are the signs of oral cancer?
What are the signs of oral cancer? Mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as the salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, and sinuses. Early detection is critical for overcoming the disease. Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Sores, swelling, lumps, or thick patches in or around your mouth
- Feeling of a lump or object in your throat
- Numbness or pain anywhere in your mouth
- Loose teeth with no dental cause
- Lingering sore throat or hoarseness
- Areas of red or white lesions in your mouth or lips
- Trouble moving your jaw, swallowing, or speaking
- Pain in your ear without loss of hearing
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over half of those in the U.S. survive oral cancer after five years, but early detection is critical.
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Why are brushing and flossing important?
We all know that brushing and flossing make our mouths feel great. But they also do more than freshen breath—they physically disrupt the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove this sticky film to decrease the likelihood of diseases like cavities and gum disease—many products on the market claim to be the best. Be sure to discuss the available options with your hygienist to get the best recommendation.
As you know, brushing twice daily for at least two minutes and flossing once daily are important. If you have trouble remembering to floss, connect it with a daily activity you always do. For example, you can floss in the shower or while driving to work!
Ready to Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup?
If you are ready to schedule your next dental checkup, use the button below to schedule online or contact our office with any questions you have.
