The Ideal Visit to the Dentist

Most dentists recommend a check up and cleaning of the teeth a couple times a year, unless some extenuating circumstances require more frequent visits. But what should you expect to occur at such check ups?

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that a good dentist will check and monitor to help detect, prevent and maintain your dental health.

A dentist should discuss with you your medical history including current medical conditions, new medications, and any illnesses. This gives a dentist insight into your overall health and also your dental health.

X-rays should be done to not only find cavities, tumors, cysts and bone loss, but also to determine tooth and root positions.

A check of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues and gums should be done to screen for oral cancer.

A gum disease evaluation should be done by checking gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

All tooth surfaces should be checked for decay with specialized dental instruments.

Regular brushing and flossing cannot remove calculus. It is very hard plaque, cemented to the teeth. A dentist will use special tools to remove calculus above and below the gum line.

Plaque is actually a colony of bacteria, mixed up with saliva and food. This sticky substance forms on teeth and much of it can be removed with brushing. It can inflame gums and thus begins periodontal disease. A dentist will ensure that all plaque is cleaned off the teeth.

Polishing the teeth removed stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

A dentist can and should recommend whatever is needed for you to maintain good oral health, such as special cleaning appliances, electric toothbrushes and various mouth rinses.

A dentist should discuss diet with you and recommend whatever is needed to improve dental health.

As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth.

Lumineers & Porcelain Veneers find out more at North Scottsdale Family Dentistry