Some people genuinely fear getting a dental checkup. Yet, not only is seeing a dentist essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but it is also a process that is not scary at all. Dental professionals recommend a checkup every six months. That way, you can prevent a simple problem from becoming a serious issue. Keep reading to find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions about dental checkups.
Seeing a dentist every six months is essential to good oral health. As an example, if someone does not brush and floss correctly, food particles become trapped between the teeth. Over time, that causes a buildup of plaque bacteria. If not removed, that turns into tartar, which can cause major problems to teeth and gums. During a dental checkup, a hygienist or dentist removes the plaque and helps educate the patient about better oral care.
Not all dentists treat both adults and children, so anyone with a child should choose a dentist who specializes in adolescent oral care. Since this type of dentist knows how to work with kids and oversees problems specific to their age, this makes a dental checkup less stressful. Now, many clinics offer both child and adult care. That means a patient could see the same dental professional for the entire family. Having to visit dentists at different locations is not only time-consuming but costly as well.
A dental checkup begins with a hygienist or dentist going over a patient’s medical history. From there, a hygienist thoroughly cleans the patient’s teeth, takes X-rays, and makes notes of anything suspicious to pass on to the dentist. With that done, the dentist assesses the patient’s mouth, looking at both teeth and gums. Often, this includes an oral cancer screening, which is quick, easy, and painless.
That all depends on the type and severity of the problem identified. If during a dental checkup the dentist finds a cavity, a cracked tooth, or the patient needs a root canal, they would take care of it right away. If someone needs oral surgery or wants implants, the dentist may schedule a secondary appointment. Otherwise, if necessary, the dentist will refer them to a qualified oral surgeon. A dentist can take care of many problems during a standard dental checkup.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Columbia, SC
If you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums and benefit from a nice smile, it is important to stay on top of each six-month dental checkup. In the long run, that could also save you money. If a dentist diagnoses and treats a problem early, it will not turn into something worse. That could prevent you from needing an invasive procedure that would cost more.
Request an appointment or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at 803-567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
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.…
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…
The next time you go in for a dental checkup, talk to your dentist specifically about brushing. As a child, your parents probably taught you to brush your teeth after every meal. However, they might not have shared much information as to why. After talking to your dentist, you will gain some invaluable insight. By…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…
A denture repair should be your top priority when your denture breaks or becomes damaged. This prosthetic device fills out all the empty spaces in your mouth. It is crucial to care for your denture since the missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech, and appearance. This dental device is durable enough to handle…