Everyone should have regular dental checkups. These visits are the easiest, most cost-effective way to gain and maintain healthy teeth and gums. They enable us to monitor your dental health, detecting any changes more quickly and providing appropriate treatment.
This guide explains why dental checkups are important and what to expect during your comprehensive dental exam. We discuss how frequently you should see your dentist and how to look after your teeth and gums between dental visits.
What Is a Dental Checkup?
A dental checkup is a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues inside your mouth. During your checkup, we examine your mouth for any signs of problems, including the following.
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Bite problems
- Jaw joint problems
- Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- Hole in tooth
- Oral Cancer
We also check the condition of any existing dental restorations. As they age, they will gradually need to be replaced.
Why Is a Dental Checkup Important?
Your dental exam is part of your preventive dental care plan. We can prevent oral disease or detect any issues by seeing you regularly. Closely monitoring your oral health helps prevent more serious problems from developing and reduces the risk of dental emergencies.
A dental checkup also helps to protect your overall health as both are intimately connected. If you develop dental problems, they can negatively impact your general health. Certain health conditions can also impact oral health. This is why we review your medical history at every appointment.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups?
Regular dental checkups provide some significant benefits, including:
- Improved oral health.
- Protecting your overall health and potentially reducing your medical bills over time.
- Lower dental bills in the long term.
- Peace of mind knowing your oral health is properly maintained.
When you see your dentist regularly, you have the confidence that your teeth and gums are healthy and well-maintained and that your smile looks good. For patients with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can make these visits more comfortable and stress-free.
What Happens during a Dental Checkup?
It usually takes approximately 30 minutes to complete a dental checkup, and it is non-invasive and painless. We would not normally provide any dental treatment during an ordinary dental checkup unless it is a dental emergency.
Below is a general outline of what to expect during your dental exam.
- We will ask if there have been any changes to your dental health since your last appointment or if you have any concerns.
- We need to know if there have been any changes to your medical history or if you are taking any new medications. Your medical history is extremely important as it could affect the treatment provided. We must ensure that all dental procedures we provide are safe and appropriate.
- Next, the dentist will visually examine the inside of your mouth. They will carefully assess each tooth for signs of cavities or soft spots in the enamel. Your gums are checked for any signs of tenderness, redness, or swelling that could indicate gum disease.
- Detailed measurements are taken around each tooth to check for any signs of gum recession. These measurements are compared with the measurements from your last visit.
- An oral cancer screening checks for changes to your oral tissues, such as color, texture, or lesions.
- We will order digital dental X-rays periodically. You may not require these at every visit, but they are a useful tool that we can use to continue monitoring your oral health closely. You will need digital dental X-rays if we spot any signs of a problem requiring closer investigation.
Once your dental exam is complete, the dentist will discuss their findings with you. If you require further treatment, you will receive a custom treatment plan.
Our best-rated dentists will review the plan with you, explaining how any proposed treatments will help improve or protect your oral health. They will also provide an estimate.
Your current preventive dental plan is also reviewed and updated as necessary. We may suggest making some updates if there have been any changes to your oral or overall health. Our dentist can also discuss any other factors they feel are relevant, such as making dietary changes to reduce the risk of cavities or other problems that may contribute to tooth pain.
We always encourage questions, so please feel free to ask if there is something you don’t understand or would like further information about.
How Often Do I Need a Dental Checkup?
Most healthy adults need a dental checkup every six months. We may recommend more frequent checkups if you have any of the following issues.
- Advanced gum disease.
- Tooth decay.
- Take medications that affect your oral health.
- Medical conditions that affect your immune system.
- Smoke or use tobacco products.
- Are currently pregnant.
- Have a family history of oral disease.
Maintaining Good Oral Health between Dental Checkups
Taking good care of your teeth and gums between regular dental exams can help prevent problems. Tips to follow include:
- Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss or teeth cleaning between your teeth every day. If you have difficulty flossing, we can help you.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if it looks worn.
- Eat healthily and don’t consume too many sweet treats, especially between meals.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Quit smoking, as this increases your risk of gum disease.
How Much Will a Dental Checkup Cost?
A dental checkup is one of the most affordable services we offer. Dental insurance will cover the cost of regular dental checkups annually or biannually. If you don’t have dental insurance, it is still worth the cost since preventive dentistry is the best way to enjoy lower dental bills.
Are You Due for a Dental Checkup?
Contact Clock Tower Dental to arrange your regular dental checkup or to schedule your first dental exam with our office. Arranging your oral hygiene appointment for the same visit will also save you time.