To maintain your overall health, you have to visit the dentist for a routine check-up at least every six months. Even if you feel that your teeth are healthy and clean, you still require a regular check-up by a professional dentist to confirm that your teeth and gums are in top shape. There are a variety of mouth diseases and plaque buildup that cannot be spotted by the average person. A dental checkup prevents any oral health issues from becoming worse or can stop them before they start.
It helps to understand exactly what happens during a dental checkup and cleaning from start to finish. The guide below fills you in on a routine dental checkup so you are better prepared!
Review Dental History
After you check into your appointment, you’re placed on the dental chair to go over your dental history with the CDA and/or dental hygienist. The hygienist will need to know more about your health information. If you are a returning patient, the dentist will check in with your health and ask about recent changes. Be honest with your dentist about your physical and mental health to receive the best care. The CDA will prepare the work and assist the dentist during teeth cleaning.
Teeth Cleaning
The dentist will check your mouth for any potential cavities or other oral hygiene problems before cleaning. Then the procedure begins by cleaning your teeth thoroughly to remove any hardened plaque or tartar. The dental hygienist will use a tool for scaling tartar and plaque from your teeth.
Teeth Examination
After your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and the plaque is removed, your hygienist will examine your tongue, throat, and neck for any symptoms of oral health issues. The dentist will use a metal dental probe with a miniature angled mirror to examine your gums, the gaps between your teeth and throat. This tool helps spot any mouth sores, inflammation or infection.
Complete X-Ray
The dentist will end the appointment by taking x-rays of your mouth from all sides. This requires biting down on bite-wings which hold a film in place for the x-ray to be taken. The x-ray allows the dentist to see if there are any issues that the naked eye cannot detect beneath the mouth’s surface.
Advice and Results
The dentist will fill you in on the results of your x-ray and guide you on how to maintain your teeth. On your way out, you’ll schedule your next appointment for another checkup and receive a new toothbrush and floss.
Don’t put your oral health care off. Book your family appointment with Dentistry in Newmarket today for your routine dental checkup!