If you have never seen a dentist, it has been a long time since your last visit, or perhaps you had a bad experience at some point, it would help a lot to know what to expect at a dental checkup. Dental professionals work hard to put every client at ease. Regardless of the treatment involved, they want people to feel relaxed and comfortable. Keep reading to learn more about dental checkups.
Making an appointment for a dental checkup
Having teeth and gums checked starts by making an appointment at a clinic for a dental checkup. After choosing the preferred clinic, an individual would contact it to get an appointment as early as possible. Upon arrival, someone will gather the patient’s insurance information. The patient will also complete a form that provides the clinic information regarding dental history. This form also allows them to bill the insurance company and see the individual as a patient.
Getting started
Depending on the clinic visited for the dental checkup, either a hygienist or a technician takes X-rays. From there, a hygienist begins the cleaning process of removing food particles, plaque, and any tartar. At the same time, the hygienist takes notes of any concerns regarding the teeth and gums. That information is then passed on to the dentist for the examination part of the visit.
Seeing the dentist
With the patient’s teeth cleaned, the next step involves an oral examination. This part of the dental checkup is when the dentist visually inspects both teeth and gums. If they spot something, such as a cracked tooth, cavity, or gum disease, the dental professional discusses the findings with the patient. That is when the dentist recommends the appropriate course of action.
Dental treatments
If a patient has one or more cavities, the dentist will fill them at the time of the scheduled dental checkup. Now, if someone has a more serious problem, there is a good chance the dentist will have them return for a second visit. Sometimes, a patient might need surgery or a procedure outside of the dentist’s qualifications. In that case, the dentist will refer the patient to an appropriate dental professional.
Extra services
Beyond the standard procedures associated with a dental checkup, a patient can opt for other services. For instance, whether an adult or child, the individual could talk to the professional about having the teeth sealed. The dentist can apply the sealant, which acts as a protective barrier, during the initial visit. This painless procedure takes very little time to complete.
Maintaining healthy gums and teeth
Preventative care is the first step to healthy gums and teeth. This is why you never want to miss a six-month dental checkup. Along with that, you can do several things at home. A few examples include brushing and flossing after every meal and avoiding foods and beverages loaded with sugar. Combined, you can avoid serious oral problems.
Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.
Recent Posts
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…