Are you due for a dental check-up? Has it been a while? You may not know what to expect if you have not had a dental check-up in a long time. Read on to discover what happens during a typical dental check-up. Oral health is important, not only for your mouth but for your overall well-being, too.
When patients get to the dental office, they have their complete health history taken. This information will include medications, family history, or recent medical diagnoses such as diabetes or arthritis. The dental care team should know about any health concerns, anxieties, or allergies the patient may have to avoid issues during the appointment and ensure they receive the care they need. In addition, the dentist will also need to know if there have been any changes since the last appointment or recent oral health abnormalities, such as sensitive teeth or a lump in the mouth. Here are the processes to expect during the appointment:
A dental check-up usually includes a thorough dental cleaning performed by the dentist or dental hygienist. While brushing and flossing are healthy dental habits, only a professional dental cleaning can remove hardened plaque and tartar. With dental tools, the dental professional will scrape the teeth and gums to remove accumulated plaque and tartar. Too much plaque and tartar on the teeth can lead to several oral issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
The dentist will then give the patient's teeth a smooth and shiny finish. Next, they use a polisher with a spinning head brush and a slightly abrasive paste. The polishing process helps eliminate any remaining plaque or tartar that the dentist may have previously missed. It also makes the teeth smoother so as not to accumulate as much plaque between dental appointments.
The dentist will continue the check-up appointment by examining every part of the oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, and mouth, for signs of oral issues. The primary aim is to identify problems in their early stages and treat them before they become worse. The exam may also include an X-ray scan.
If the dentist deems it necessary, patients will undergo an X-ray scan. This scan will reveal issues such as impacted teeth, tooth abscesses, jawbone damage, cysts or tumors, tooth root damage, and decay between the teeth. The radiation from X-rays used in modern dental offices is insignificant. However, the dentist will take necessary precautions by having their patients wear lead aprons. Unless there is an emergency, pregnant patients will not need an X-ray.
The most common form is the panoramic X-ray. Panoramic X-rays provide a full image of the upper and lower jaw in one shot. This digital image also allows the dentist to check for bite alignment.
Oral cancer screening is also part of the dental check-up. The dentist will examine the neck, lymph glands, and the oral cavity for any sign of oral cancer. If they suspect anything, they will take tissue samples for a biopsy.
The dentist will inform the patient immediately if they discover signs of a dental issue. They may recommend a specific dental procedure and schedule follow-up appointments. For instance, if a tooth has decay or cavities, the patient will need a dental filling to restore the tooth.
If the patient has healthy gums and teeth, the dentist may not require another appointment may not for another six months or more. However, if the dentist has recommended a specific dental procedure, such as a filling, patients should remember to book an appointment before leaving.
The dentist may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as the patient changing their diet or quitting smoking. If the sugar level is high in the patient's body, it is likely high in their saliva as well. Bacteria in plaque use sugar as food and can cause tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. In addition, tobacco use through cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other forms can cause severe adverse oral health effects, from gum disease to oral cancer.
Finally, a dental check-up is also a chance to ask questions about oral health care. If patients have any concerns or anxieties about the check-up or future treatment, they should voice them to the dentist. This communication will help inform their future care.
Visiting the dentist for a dental check-up at least once every year is important for maintaining good oral health. It ensures the dental professional can catch dental issues and treat them early. It will also prevent minor dental problems from worsening to the point where more extensive and expensive procedures are required. To get started, contact our dental office to book an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Albuquerque, NM.
When was your last dental checkup? Read on to learn more about the importance of regular dental care visits. A dental checkup visit with a dentist is a great way to detect the early signs of any oral health concerns and put together a restorative plan (if necessary) before the concerns worsen. Regular dental checkups…
Has it been a while since your last dental checkup? Keep your smile healthy by scheduling one todayIf it is time for a dental checkup or you have not had one in the last six months, give us a call. We won't judge you and truly only care about keeping your teeth healthy. Schedule your…
A visit to our dental office is probably the single most effective way to prevent infections, cavities, and oral diseases. We have found that people who visit the dental office on a regular basis have significantly fewer problems with their teeth. When you come to our dental office at least once every six months, we…
For anyone who grinds his or her teeth at night, there are possible options for at-home treatment. Grinding teeth can wear down the tooth enamel and cause jaw pain. Since the teeth grinding occurs at night, it can be difficult for the individual to prevent it without extra assistance. We can determine your specific needs…
Dental implants are the most stable dental restorations you can get. The invasive procedure will cut through your gum tissue. The dentist will drill into the jawbone and place titanium rods into the holes. The right kind of care is important to make sure that the implant site is free from infections. Here are the…
A general dentist can offer many services to preserve patients' oral health, and orthodontics for teeth straightening may be included in that list. Orthodontics, or the process of aligning teeth and fixing the bite, can have a greater purpose than just aesthetics.In addition to beautifying a patient's smile by aligning their teeth, a general dentist…