A dental checkup goes a long way when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy. It consists of a visual examination looking for developing dental and health issues, plus preventative treatments like teeth cleanings. Dentists recommend coming in for a dental check-up two times a year, and people who follow their advice rarely find themselves dealing with serious dental issues. Conversely, people who seldom visit the dentist unless something is wrong often go from one major dental problem to another.
Dental check-ups can be broken up into two main parts: an examination and teeth cleaning. Let us take a closer look at these two aspects of a dental examination.
The examination part of a patient’s check-up typically starts with a visual examination of the patient’s teeth. The dentist will examine their teeth, gums, head, and neck, looking for signs of developing issues or abnormal growths. Tools like a probe might be used to check for gum disease, and diagnostics like x-rays can be used to look for cavities between teeth and in teeth roots.
Existing issues the patient has are often detected during the examination, and recommendations are made on how to treat them. The dentist will also discuss any aesthetic problems they notice during the examination with the patient. Depending on the severity of the patient’s issues, the dentist might perform treatments during the same visit or schedule them for a later date.
This part of a dental exam is performed to remove tartar from teeth surfaces. Tartar builds up on teeth over time, and brushing or flossing cannot remove it. Tartar ruins the way teeth look and it promotes tooth decay and gum disease. It houses bacteria and the acids they make that damage teeth structures.
Teeth cleaning involves the dentist using a scaler to remove tartar deposits and plaque from the patient’s teeth. It is a painless procedure, so there is no need for a local anesthetic. Once the patient’s teeth have been thoroughly cleaned and flossed, the dentist will polish them with a special paste.
Dentists also use routine appointments to educate patients about oral hygiene and how to take better care of their teeth. They can also administer preventative procedures like the application of dental sealants or fluoride treatments.
Cosmetic issues can also be addressed during routine visits. Dentists have many ways to go about improving the way teeth look, and many can be squeezed into the patient’s routine appointment. For example, a discolored tooth can be covered up with a composite resin during the patient’s appointment. Other cosmetic treatments like the placement of veneers might require multiple trips to the dentist.
Next to brushing and flossing, biannual visits to a dentist are the third most effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Give us a call or stop by our Fredericksburg clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://ddaestheticdentistry.com or call D&D Family Dentistry at (540) 739-7589 for an appointment in our Fredericksburg office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Fredericksburg, VA.
Regular dental check-ups are a vital part of maintaining and protecting oral health. These visits can prevent a problem before it occurs or help catch a problem early on when it is the most treatable. Dental check-ups aren’t something to dread but are a way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Schedule an appointment…
A dental cleaning is a vital part of good oral hygiene. It is a preventative treatment that involves the dentist removing tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces. It is performed using a metal tool known as a scaler. Dentists recommend getting teeth cleaned at least two times each year, as it goes a long way…
A dentist practicing general dentistry can provide restorative and preventive services. General dentists concentrate on a broad range of procedures and treatments. They also treat patients of every age range. If you want to know the general dentistry services you can get from a dentist near you, here are the details.These dental procedures focus on…
The general dentist often uses a dental filling as a restoration procedure for teeth damaged due to decay. Unless the tooth is severely damaged and needs a root canal and a crown, only the tooth filling will be enough. It is better to visit the dentist regularly for checkups, so decay not get too severe.The…
Wearing damaged dentures or prosthetics improperly aligned to a patient's mouth can lead to various…
Learning the habit of brushing can help your child have better oral and general health.
People who undergo smile makeovers notice a confidence boost as their enhanced smile becomes an…
Dental implants are the best way to fill in the gaps from missing teeth.
While the dentist can quickly fix chips with a composite resin in most cases, the…
General dentistry can provide restorative and cosmetic treatments.
