Regular dental check-ups are essential for preventing dental problems and maintaining good oral health. If you have any specific concerns or dental issues between routine visits, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for advice or to schedule an earlier appointment.

Typical routine dental visit:

Medical history review: The dental assistant or hygienist reviews your medical history, including any changes in medications, allergies, or recent health issues that might affect your dental treatment.

X-rays (if necessary): X-rays may be taken to assess the condition of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. X-rays help identify cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth, and other dental problems that may not be visible during a visual examination.

Cleaning and scaling: A dental hygienist or dentist will perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup. They will use specialized tools to scrape away plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.

Visual examination: The dentist will visually inspect your teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and other oral tissues for signs of decay, gum disease, or other abnormalities. They may also check the alignment of your teeth and the fit of any dental restorations (e.g., fillings, crowns, bridges).

Discussion and recommendations: Based on their findings, the dentist will discuss any issues or concerns with you and provide recommendations for treatment or preventive measures. This may include advice on oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and lifestyle changes to maintain optimal oral health.

Treatment planning: If any dental issues are identified during the check-up, the dentist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may involve scheduling additional appointments for procedures such as fillings, root canals, extractions, or periodontal therapy.