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Although brushing and flossing twice daily helps prevent common dental health concerns, such as cavities and gum disease, the American Dental Association also recommends seeing your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning. Unfortunately, sources estimate that only about 63% to 65% of adults between 18 and 64 years old see their provider each year.
If it’s been a long time since your last standard preventive visit, you might feel anxious or unsure what to expect. Continue reading to learn more about 3 steps your dentist will take so you can set your mind at ease!
Step #1: Dental Examination
Typically, the first part of routine checkups involves a visual examination of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will carefully assess the condition of your enamel, connective tissue, and any existing dental work, such as fillings or crowns, to ensure everything is still in good shape and functions as intended.
They will likely also want to take X-rays, especially if you haven’t had any images taken within the past 12 months. This allows them to see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums to determine whether there are hidden issues that need to be addressed.
Altogether, your exam might take only about 10 to 15 minutes if there are no areas of concern, but if you’ve been neglecting routine appointments and require X-rays, it could take longer.
Step #2: Treatment Plan if Required
If your mouth is healthy and there are no potential problems, your dental team will proceed with a professional cleaning. But if there are pressing issues, such as thinning enamel or swollen, dark-colored gums, they will need to devise a personal treatment plan to improve your dental condition first.
For example, tooth decay might require fillings made from color-matched composite resin, or a dental crown if the enamel is too damaged to be repaired. Meanwhile, periodontal disease might require a two-part deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing and/or a special Arestin® antibiotic placed in the gum pockets that dissolves slowly to kill bacteria and prevent them from returning.
Step #3: Professional Cleaning
Once your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, your hygienist will move forward with your cleaning. This typically involves removing stubborn plaque and tartar with specialized dental instruments, followed by carefully flossing your teeth to remove germs from your enamel and gumline.
Finally, your smile will be polished to a shine using special brushes so that it’s as beautiful as it is healthy by the time you leave.
If you have additional questions about what to expect from a standard checkup and cleaning, your dentist can provide more detailed information when you contact them for an appointment!
About the Practice
Patients at Dentex Dental Group benefit from a team of providers who take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals so they can customize treatment plans to help address them. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including checkups and cleanings, using state-of-the-art technology for comfortable, accurate outcomes that last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (215) 677-3904.