What happens during a routine dental checkup?
Routine visits to the dentist are important even if you strictly follow your dental home care routine. This helps ensure that your teeth stay strong and clean for the long term. This also prevents dental issues from developing.
It’s also important that you find a dentist near you that you feel comfortable with. When you feel at ease with the dental team, you’re more open to discussing any concerns you may have. You also feel more motivated to keep up with your appointments as though feeling like you’re visiting an old friend.
The first visit to your dentist will most likely involve a health history check. You only need to update your dentist should there be any changes to your health status. These twice a year dental visits are recommended for most patients. On the other hand, if you’re highly sensitive to dental issues, you may have to visit more often.
Dental Exams During Your Routine Dental Office Visit
During dental exams, expect the registered dental hygienist or the dentist to do the following:
- Ask you about your oral hygiene habits.
- Inquire about your overall health.
- Ask about medications you’re taking
- See if you will need a tooth replaced or repaired
- Evaluate your bite and jaw
- Clean your teeth so any deposits left after brushing or flossing will be removed
- Provide you with tips on how you can care for your teeth or dentures
- If necessary, request that you take dental x-rays.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Dental checkups will most often include cleaning. Your dentist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. For example, using a scaler, they’ll scrape off deposits below and above your gumline. Apart from the cleaning, your dentist also polishes your teeth to prevent tartar and plaque from accumulating again. With professional dental cleaning, you prevent gum disease and even bad breath.
Full Examination of Your Mouth
Aside from examining your teeth, your dentist will also look into your gums. They will check the condition of your gums to determine if you are at risk for developing gum disease. They will also check your jaw to see if you have any temporomandibular joint disorder. Your mouth will be checked, from the roof to the floor of your mouth, and even your cheeks.
Dental X-rays
Dental x-rays show detailed images of your mouth. This allows your dentist to see problems that may otherwise go unnoticed. Make sure to advise your dentist if you’re pregnant. While the amount of radiation you’re exposed to during a dental x-ray is low, your safety needs to be prioritized. Your dentist will only advise that you take x-rays when necessary.
The dental checkups give you the opportunity to meet the members of the dental team. Everyone is working together to ensure that your needs are addressed. Take the time to talk to the staff if you have more questions, they will be more than happy to educate you about your oral health.
Depending on the condition of your mouth, your visit to the dentist may take longer or shorter. Don’t miss your routine dental office visit in Calgary! If you are anxious about being in the dental chair, let your dentist know so they can help you feel more calm and you can receive the treatment you need safely.