Why Do You Need Checkups and Cleanings?
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.
What Can You Expect During a Checkup?
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.
What Is a Cleaning Like?
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.
