Just about everyone would agree that preventing dental problems is so much easier than treating them. In our many years of experience, we’ve found that patients who come in for regular checkups and cleanings generally have far fewer cavities and gum problems than those who don’t. With just a couple of visits a year, people of all ages can spend less time and money at the dentist overall, which we think is a pretty good return on your investment! If it’s been a while since your last checkup and cleaning, contact us to schedule a visit today.
It’s not uncommon for people to wonder why they need routine dental care, especially if they aren’t having pain or problems. After all, isn’t brushing and flossing enough to protect your dental health? Unfortunately, no. The truth is that no matter how good your oral hygiene habits are, there are still deposits of plaque and tartar that you can’t remove at home. With professional cleanings, you’ll greatly reduce your chance of developing dental problems, including gum disease and its many associated risks (i.e. tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s)
Also, even if you aren’t currently having pain or acute problems, remember that cavities and fractures aren’t usually noticeable until they’ve progressed to later stages. When Dr. Patel can regularly monitor your teeth and gums, he's able to find problems early on before they require major dental work.
During your checkups, we want to be as thorough as possible to make sure we don’t miss any conditions in your mouth that need attention. Before you see one of our dentists for an exam, we’ll bring you back to ask about your concerns and gather some information beforehand. This includes a medical history review as well as routine X-rays and a gum exam (both of which are typically done just once a year). In many cases, you’ll also get your teeth cleaned before your checkup.
Then Dr. Patel will come in and chat with you before reviewing all the information that was gathered. They’ll spend time looking closely at your teeth and gums and will also perform a visual oral cancer screening that takes just a few minutes. Finally, they’ll explain their findings and discuss whether you need additional treatment before answering any questions you have.
First, our friendly hygienist will ask if you have any concerns or special requests before your dental cleaning. And since two pairs of eyes are better than one, she’ll also perform a visual oral cancer screening as well.
Then she’ll use special tools to reach the “nooks and crannies” around your teeth and gums and remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar. Finally, your teeth will be polished and flossed so they feel slick and smooth, and you’ll get personalized oral hygiene tips to help you maintain everything between visits.
If your gums are healthy, you’ll likely need just two cleanings a year to maintain your oral health. If you have gum disease, we’ll recommend the appropriate treatment and discuss whether you would benefit from more frequent cleanings.
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