As part of your six-month dental checkup, your dentist will look for a variety of current or potential issues. To do that, the dental professional looks at new X-rays and performs an oral examination. If the dentist spots something, perhaps a cavity, they will fill it on the spot. If you have never had a cavity before, this information will help you know what to expect.
A key benefit of having a dental checkup every six months is that a dentist can detect a cavity early on. As a result, the dentist can fill it immediately. This will prevent the cavity from becoming larger or impacting the surrounding teeth. However, someone would probably know if a cavity exists because of the symptoms experienced.
Pain is the first sign of having a cavity. Due to exposed nerves, an individual would have some sensitivity to air, as well as anything hot or cold. When looking in the mirror, a person can often see a cavity, which appears as a dark spot on the tooth. Whether someone suspects they have a cavity before seeing a dentist or gets confirmation as part of a regular dental checkup, a dentist can provide quick and effective treatment.
During a scheduled dental checkup, a dentist has X-rays taken of a patient’s mouth. With that, the dentist can identify a variety of problems, including a cavity. The X-ray will reveal the exact location, as well as the size involved. Once confirmed, the next step is to fill it.
To ensure a patient does not experience any discomfort while having a cavity filled, the dentist first numbs the area of the mouth involved. The only thing an individual would feel is a quick prick of a needle while administering lidocaine. Every dental professional has a different way of doing this to make the process easy for the individual. As for children, parents should consider taking them to a dentist who specializes in adolescent dental care.
With the mouth numb, the dentist goes to work on the tooth. This includes drilling out any decay and smoothing the surface of the involved tooth. Although a patient does not feel anything, sometimes, the sound of the equipment causes a little anxiety. However, since this is commonly a part of a regular dental checkup, dentists know how to keep patients comfortable and occupied. After filling the cavity, the patient returns home.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Columbia, SC
Obviously, you want to do everything you can to avoid needing a cavity filled while at a dental checkup. That includes brushing and flossing after every meal and using mouthwash. Also, stay away from sweet food and beverages as much as possible. However, if you need a cavity filled, you can see just how simple the process is, so you have nothing to worry about.
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…
Wear and tear make denture repairs inevitable in the long run. This is why a general dentistry practice that deals with dentures should have in-house facilities for minor and moderate repairs. The practice should also have quick access to a dental lab in case a patient needs major repairs for their dentures. Knowing when to…
Maintaining good oral health is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to a general dentist are crucial in preventing and treating different dental issues. General dentists provide a wide range of services, such as preventive care, restorative treatments, and oral health education. However, if you are new to an area or are changing dentists,…