To maintain optimal oral health, you must attend a dentist near you for routine cleanings and check-ups. Your dental team will clean your teeth at a routine dental examination and examine you for any signs of tooth decay or disease. The exam will also consist of screening for other oral health abnormalities, including screening your mouth, head, and neck for signs of cancer. In some cases, your dentist might take x-rays to get a clear picture of your oral health status and provide appropriate treatment plans.
When you go for dental cleanings and check-ups near you, you can also benefit from discussing proper oral hygiene habits and learning the best practices to protect your teeth and maintain the longevity of your oral health.
Why are Dental Cleanings Done?
Regular dental check-ups are done to protect not only your oral health but your overall well-being. Sometimes, signs of more serious underlying diseases such as lupus or diabetes can show up in the mouth. By visiting a dentist in Willow Park every six months, you will be able to flag these signs early and receive the necessary treatment.
What to Expect at a Dental Check-Up
During your check-up with a dentist near you, your dental team will:
- Examine your oral hygiene and overall health status
- Identify any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease
- Identify if you require tooth restorations
- Check your jaw for any problems
- Remove plaque and tartar
- Address any tooth discoloration
- Instruct you on proper oral hygiene habits
- Perform any other necessary diagnostic procedures
When you seek dental cleanings and check-ups in Willow Park, your dental team will ask you if you are experiencing any health problems and help you understand how those problems may affect your oral health. As well, a dentist in Willow Park may ask you if you are on any new medications, as these can also contribute to the increased risk of tooth decay in some cases. If you have any type of restorative treatment, your dentist will also take this time to examine the prosthetics and identify if there is a need for any adjustments.
If deemed necessary, your dentist may also want to take an x-ray of your mouth. This will allow them to see specific areas of your mouth and diagnose any problems that may not be visible on the surface. Dental x-rays are not always needed, and your dental team will communicate with you about the necessity for x-rays based on your oral health status at the time of your visit.
It is important to remember that radiation exposure from dental x-rays is minimal, but please do not hesitate to mention them to your dentist if you have any concerns.
When to Schedule Dental Cleanings and Check-Ups Near You
Even if you have no signs or symptoms that anything is wrong with your oral health, you should still be attending your routine dental cleanings. Your dentist can see what is going on beyond the surface level of your teeth and work to identify and mitigate any causes of tooth decay, gum disease, or injury.
It is recommended that adults schedule a routine dental cleaning and check-up at least twice a year or at intervals that their dentist recommends. When you build a trusting relationship with your dental team, you can be confident that they have your best interests in mind. It is essential to follow the instructions for dental cleanings that your dentist sets out for you to protect your oral health and your overall wellbeing.