Everyone's dental checkups may vary according to what the dentist will perform. However, it always has basic parts. These crucial parts ensure you maintain good oral health and prevent dental issues. For example, brushing and flossing help keep plaque and tartar levels low. Yet, professional cleaning during your dental checkup can remove these tooth-decaying substances. Here are the details if you are interested in the important parts that make up a routine dental checkup.
Dental X-rays
When a patient undergoes a dental checkup, a dentist will take detailed X-rays of their jaw, teeth, and gums. A dental imaging exam helps dentists see beneath the surface of the patient's teeth and gums. The X-rays reveal the general health of the patient's mouth. If there are issues like impacted teeth, tooth decay, infection, or dental shifting, the dentist will spot them immediately. Even if these quick-acting diseases are present, the dentist would be able to see and treat them right away.
Thorough visual inspection
A dental checkup is an opportunity for a dentist to inspect a patient's oral cavity. First, a comprehensive surface examination of teeth and gums takes place. This part of the dental checkup is where the dentist identifies all the possible dental issues that the patient may not notice in their day-to-day routine. The dentist will search for problems like gum infections, misalignment, decay, and damaged crowns or fillings. After the visual exam, the dentist will recommend treatments in the future. For example, if patients need a filling, they must schedule an appointment to prevent further tooth decay.
Plaque and tartar removal
Even if the patient brushes more than two times a day and flosses at least once daily, plaque and tartar still form on the teeth. Eventually, plaque forms and hardens into tartar. Brushing alone cannot remove tartar. Instead, the dentist has a scaler, which removes the hard tartar. With scaling, the dentist can prevent a patient from developing gum disease, inflammation, cavities, and bleeding.
Professional dental cleaning
After scaling the patient's teeth, the dentist will clean the patient's teeth with a high-power rotating toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. This dental cleaning strips off food particles and the remaining plaque and tartar on the patient's teeth. The gritty toothpaste helps polish the patient's teeth. When brushing is complete, the dentist will floss the patient's teeth. After rinsing thoroughly, the patient can sit back as the dentist applies a fluoride coating. The purpose of the fluoride coating is to protect the teeth from decay.
Screening for oral cancer
Usually, oral cancer screening only happens occasionally during each dental checkup. However, early detection of this disease is crucial in preventing cancer from getting worse. Therefore, patients should ask about oral cancer screening during the checkup. That way, dentists can help detect early signs of the disease and even make a referral to another dental professional who specializes in the condition. In addition, oral cancer screening only takes minutes to complete.
How often to go in for a dental checkup
It is commonly said that people should see a dentist twice a year. However, this depends on personal dental habits and general oral hygiene. There is no one-size-fits-all cleaning and checkup plan. There are many factors to keep in mind, such as:
- Lifestyle: Patients who drink or smoke may need to see their dentist more often.
- Dental habits: If patients are consistent with their oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing daily, they may only need to see their dentist periodically.
- Biology: Family history plays a part in oral health as well. Patients with a history of oral diseases in their family may need more attention from their dentist.
Keeping a regular schedule of dental appointments is crucial to prevent future dental problems and protect oral health. Patients who have questions about the frequency of visits should talk to their dentists. They may recommend sooner than six months. However, they may also recommend a later date if the patient maintains healthy dental habits.
A comprehensive dental checkup can transform your oral health
Consistently attending dental checkups allows you to maintain a healthy mouth. Your dentist can detect and treat early signs of dental diseases, including oral cancer, and perform simple procedures that clean and protect your teeth with specialized tools and dental care products. If you need more tips for better oral health, your dentist will be happy to share some with you during your dental checkup.
Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 249-9383 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Dental Checkup in Port Charlotte, FL.
Related Posts
The idea of skipping routine dental check-up appointments may have crossed your mind. However, it would be best to read on to learn why this is not a good idea. These check-ups not only treat dental issues alone but also help prevent them from happening in the first place. Dental professionals generally recommend visiting the…
Getting a dental checkup is one of the essential steps in your oral care routine. But you might wonder what you can expect during a checkup and cleaning. That way, you can make a more informed decision for your health. Keep reading to learn more about what the procedure involves.The dental hygienist and dentist will…
Most dental patients do not set a dental checkup for a dental filling. It is either they are suffering from dental anxiety, or they do not see any holes in their teeth to fill. What may seem like a normal tooth may already need fillings. A dental checkup can determine if the patient needs a…
A lot of things people do in life are either taught or habit, including getting a dental checkup. For instance, some individuals go once a year because that is what a parent taught them to do. Others might not see a dentist for several years simply because it has become a bad habit. However, having…