All too often, patients assume biannual dental checkups and cleanings are optional. After all, if something was wrong, you’d know it, right? Not exactly. In fact, everything from oral cancer to gum disease can develop (and progress!) under the radar. So, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist in Murphy every six months. If you are interested in learning more about preventive dentistry, including what to expect during your routine exams, read on!
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
If you aren’t experiencing abnormal symptoms, like dental sensitivity, you might be wondering if you really need to visit your dentist every six months. The short answer is “yes.” There are a few reasons for this, starting with the fact that tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other common health problems can progress quickly if left untreated. Plaque and tartar can also build up over time, even if you consistently brush and floss your teeth. So, if you want to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, it’s important that you schedule a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Your dental exam will be with our kind, experienced, and talented dentist, Dr. Gandhi. After getting to know you a little better (or catching up with you, if you’re a long-time patient), she will ask you a few questions about your oral health. She will also review your latest X-rays, take a look at your teeth and gums, and perform an oral cancer screening. If she finds anything concerning, she will bring it to your attention and share how she recommends proceeding.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
During your dental cleaning, we will gently and meticulously remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. In the process, we will share any feedback we have pertaining to your oral hygiene regimen, like incorporating a water flosser into your routine or spending more time cleaning your molars. Then, we will floss your teeth, give them a good polish, and schedule your next appointment!
Do you need to schedule your next checkup and cleaning? Maybe you have a question for our team, like whether we accept your dental insurance. Either way, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How Long Does a Regular Dental Cleaning Take?
The timeline for a dental cleaning can vary, but it usually lasts about 30 minutes. That’s enough time for a dental hygienist to clean most patients’ smiles.
Of course, the cleaning can run longer if you have poor oral health. The dental team must remove more plaque from your mouth in that scenario, so they naturally take more time as well. This fact is especially evident with gum disease patients; such people require deeper cleanings due to tartar buildup.
Given these facts, you should try to maintain good at-home oral hygiene. Twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing will keep your grin tidy, ensuring your dental cleanings involve less time.
What Should I Expect If I Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Years?
If you haven’t seen a dentist in years, your next checkup and cleaning will involve more steps. These “extra” measures let the dental team get your smile back on track.
First of all, the dentist will have you thoroughly update your medical history. Your lack of visits means they don’t know about your recent illnesses, medications, etc. To ensure they provide the best possible care, they’ll want to know how your body is currently faring and how it may respond to treatment.
You can also expect the cleaning and exam to take longer than usual. Since you’ve gone years without dentistry, the hygienist will have to remove more tartar and plaque to clear away. The dentist may also spend time speaking to you about potential concerns or pain you have.
How Often Do I Need to Get Dental X-rays?
How often you should get dental X-rays will depend on your current oral health. Still, the American Dental Association (ADA) suggests most patients get them at least once a year.
Note that different types of dental X-rays exist, each with its own recommended frequency. Bitewing X-rays – those taken to detect cavities – are done every year or so. In contrast, dentists take periapical X-rays on a need-to basis; their role is to help with pre-treatment planning. The typical panoramic X-ray is taken every 3-5 years to help spot developmental issues – orthodontic concerns, etc.
What Should I Do If I Have Sensitive Teeth and Find Cleanings Uncomfortable?
If you suffer from sensitive teeth, please tell your dental hygienist beforehand. They can take measures to ensure your cleaning is as smooth and easy as possible.
Remember, hygienists are trained to handle all sorts of teeth cleaning situations. They know how to be extra gentle around the sensitive areas of your mouth. If the sensitivity or discomfort is severe, they can also recommend sedation or numbing agents for the cleaning process.
The hygienist can even make your future cleanings a bit more comfortable as well. For instance, they may suggest desensitizing toothpaste at home; this product would soothe your teeth before your visit.
