Maintaining a healthy oral care routine is one of the most crucial steps you can take to protect your health. Most patients know that getting a dental check-up every six months improves oral wellness, but these visits boast impressive benefits over time.
This blog explains what happens during a dental check-up, explores the procedure’s benefits, and shares answers to common patient questions.
About Dental Check-Ups
A standard dental check-up consists of two parts: a professional cleaning and a comprehensive dental exam. Both steps perform crucial functions and help to detect emerging issues.
Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, debris, and surface stains, brightening and protecting your smile. Plaque bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease, primarily when tartar builds up along the gum line.
Tartar is a hard substance formed from bacteria and food particles. It releases bacterial toxins that break down gum and bone over time, causing periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing alone can prevent tartar formation but cannot remove it. Only a dental professional can accomplish this using specialized tools.
After removing plaque and tartar, your hygienist polishes your teeth with a gritty, enamel-safe toothpaste to remove stains and promote a brilliant smile.
Your hygienist will expertly floss your teeth and share oral care tips to help you keep your teeth healthy at home. Finally, you may receive a fluoride rinse or varnish.
Comprehensive Dental Exams
Your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam either before or after your cleaning. They will check you for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. You will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns with your dentist.
Your dentist may recommend a series of digital X-rays once yearly to detect tooth decay and other hidden problems. Digital X-rays are safe and effective, using up to 90 percent less radiation than the film X-rays you may remember.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Check-Ups
What happens when I miss too many dental check-ups?
If you miss dental check-ups, you could leave yourself vulnerable to undetected oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Any dental issues you develop in the meantime may worsen without prompt care, making future treatments more costly and extensive.
Why do I need a dental check-up twice a year when I take excellent care of my teeth?
Dental issues can occur in any patient, even those with healthy teeth and gums. Exams and X-rays help detect problems at their earliest stages when they are the most treatable. While dentists recommend that most patients stay on a biannual schedule, if you maintain positive oral hygiene habits, your dentist may ask to see you less frequently.
Call Chagrin Falls Dental
If some time has passed since your last dental check-up, it’s never too late to get back on track. Please call our Chagrin Falls, OH, office at 440-247-8641 to learn more and schedule your appointment today.