Dental Checkups
There are many ways you can play an active role in maintaining your oral health. Having your teeth checked out in our office every six months is an excellent place to start. Our hygienists and dentists identifies problem areas, providing you with information and treatment to sustain a happy, healthy smile.
Why are regular dental checkups important?
Routine dental checkups are a key part of maintaining strong oral health. Some of the main benefits of visiting your dentist consistently include:
- Early detection and treatment of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions.
- Prevention of serious issues through monitoring changes in your mouth.
- Longer lasting teeth and stronger gums.
- Peace of mind knowing your smile is healthy and cared for.
What happens when we skip dental checkups?
Missing regular checkups can allow small problems to become serious concerns. Delaying or avoiding visits may lead to:
- Untreated cavities that worsen over time and may require more advanced treatment.
- Gum disease that progresses unnoticed, potentially causing tooth loss.
- Negative effects on cardiovascular well-being and overall health.
- Overall decline in oral and general health due to lack of professional monitoring.
What to Expect at Your First Checkup
Our dental cleaning appointments are about an hour-long, and new patient visits typically last a bit longer. We take pride in getting to know each of our patients, tailoring treatments to the health needs and goals of every individual. Here’s what to expect the first time you come to our office:
01
Dental History
A hygienist will gather dental and medical histories so that we have a clear picture of your current health, including any medical conditions that can impact dental treatment.
02
Digital X-rays
We take digital x-rays as diagnostic material for your comprehensive oral exam. If you have had x-rays taken within the last 12 months, please have them sent to our office. If you are unable to have x-rays taken, please inform the hygienist as you give your medical history.
03
Oral Screening and Teeth Exams
After we perform an oral cancer/lesion screening for symptoms of cancer and other illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, we examine your teeth for decay.
04
Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleanings
Our hygienist will evaluate your gums, measuring periodontal pockets with a probe, and clean your teeth by identifying and removing areas of tartar, plaque, and calculus.
04
Oral Hygiene Habits
We end your visit by reviewing and reinforcing proper oral hygiene.
Proper Oral Hygiene: How to Prevent Tooth Decay
There are several simple and affordable ways in which you can fight tooth decay—a common chronic health condition.
- Brush twice and floss once daily.
- Have dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.
- Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods.
- Take fluoride tablets, which make teeth more resistant to decay.
- Ask your dentist about additional cleaning supplements.
The Dental Checkup Procedure
When you come in for a dental checkup, our dentist carefully examines your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of potential problems. This includes checking for cavities, gum disease, early signs of oral cancer, and other conditions that may not be visible or painful yet. Regular checkups allow us to detect issues early, which helps us to treat it faster.
During your visit, we also review your overall oral health, discuss any concerns you may have, and provide guidance on how to improve your daily care routine. If needed, X-rays may be taken to look for hidden issues beneath the surface, such as tooth decay between teeth or bone loss around the gums.
Our goal is to give you peace of mind, assurance, help prevent future dental problems, and keep your smile strong and healthy for years to come.
Passion, Professional, Qualified
Are there different kinds of dental checkups?
A routine dental checkup is the standard procedure without any complications, usually recommended every six months. During these visits, your dentist examines your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of problems, while also providing guidance on daily care.
The procedures that are sometimes linked with “checkups” are actually more specialized evaluations:
01
Comprehensive Exam
a full evaluation for new patients and a complete review of oral health.
02
Periodic Exam
a regular checkup to monitor ongoing dental health.
03
Problem-Focused Exam
a targeted checkup for addressing specific issues, such as pain, swelling, or injury.
The Cost of Dental Checkups
Most dental insurance policies include benefits that cover dental checkups. After all, skipping regular visits will most likely lead to costly treatments later, as failure to keep up with checkups often results in serious and expensive health issues. Every patient’s needs are different, so we are happy to review yours with you. At our clinic, we outline any possible costs upfront to help you understand your insurance benefits, including the CDCP. Our main objective is to support you in achieving a lifetime of healthy smiles.