A dental check-up goes a long way when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy. It consists of a visual examination looking for developing dental and health issues, plus preventative treatments like teeth cleanings. Dentists recommend coming in for a dental check-up two times a year, and people who follow their advice rarely find themselves dealing with serious dental issues. Conversely, people who seldom visit the dentist unless something is wrong often go from one major dental problem to another.
Dental check-ups can be broken up into two main parts: an examination and teeth cleaning. Let us take a closer look at these two aspects of a dental examination.
The examination part of a patient’s check-up typically starts with a visual examination of the patient’s teeth. The dentist will examine their teeth, gums, head, and neck, looking for signs of developing issues or abnormal growths. Tools like a probe might be used to check for gum disease, and diagnostics like x-rays can be used to look for cavities between teeth and in teeth roots.
Existing issues the patient has are often detected during the examination, and recommendations are made on how to treat them. The dentist will also discuss any aesthetic problems they notice during the examination with the patient. Depending on the severity of the patient’s issues, the dentist might perform treatments during the same visit or schedule them for a later date.
This part of a dental exam is performed to remove tartar from teeth surfaces. Tartar builds up on teeth over time, and brushing or flossing cannot remove it. Tartar ruins the way teeth look and it promotes tooth decay and gum disease. It houses bacteria and the acids they make that damage teeth structures.
Teeth cleaning involves the dentist using a scaler to remove tartar deposits and plaque from the patient’s teeth. It is a painless procedure, so there is no need for a local anesthetic. Once the patient’s teeth have been thoroughly cleaned and flossed, the dentist will polish them with a special paste.
Dentists also use routine appointments to educate patients about oral hygiene and how to take better care of their teeth. They can also administer preventative procedures like the application of dental sealants or fluoride treatments.
Cosmetic issues can also be addressed during routine visits. Dentists have many ways to go about improving the way teeth look, and many can be squeezed into the patient’s routine appointment. For example, a discolored tooth can be covered up with a composite resin during the patient’s appointment. Other cosmetic treatments like the placement of veneers might require multiple trips to the dentist.
Next to brushing and flossing, biannual visits to a dentist are the third most effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Give us a call or stop by our Allendale Charter Twp clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandvalleydentistry.com or call Grand Valley Dentistry at (616) 259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Allendale Charter Twp, MI.
Having a dental X-ray is essential at a dental checkup to find decay and other teeth issues. Managing and diagnosing different conditions often happens with an X-ray. The dentist can use the X-ray if it is hard to detect the problems with a simple visual exam. The X-ray can take images of the jaw, tooth…
During a dental checkup, the dentist will use a wide range of tools on the patient’s teeth. But there are some critical ones to be aware of during the appointment. Knowing more about the tools can help patients gain more information about the dental checkup and what to expect. Keep reading to learn more about…
Getting a dental checkup is one of the essential steps in your oral care routine. But you might wonder what you can expect during a checkup and cleaning. That way, you can make a more informed decision for your health. Keep reading to learn more about what the procedure involves.The dental hygienist and dentist will…
There are many reasons you should have a dental checkup, but it is not uncommon to have a fear of the dentist. The gums, teeth, and tongue all play a significant role in helping you have a nutritious diet. When these do not work well, you may not be able to eat the right foods.…
Are you considering getting a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth? This prosthetic can work wonders, but like with all prosthetics, you might be wondering how you are supposed to maintain it so it lasts forever. Continue reading to find out more.Here are a general dentist's tips about caring for dental bridges. Reviewing this…
Dental bridges are an effective option for people missing teeth due to trauma, infection, or decay. They can prevent the teeth from shifting, a common side effect of missing teeth. They also restore normal oral function and appearance. Here are a few types of dental bridges a dentist might consider.A traditional dental bridge is the…