Regular dental check-ups play a crucial role in maintaining your dental health and, therefore, should not be skipped.
Scheduling a regular dental check-up is the best way to take a preventative approach to any dental issues before they become major and interrupt your life. This can prevent tooth decay, cavities, and dental stains and help diagnose problems early. Making it to your dental check-ups is one of Boon Dental’s five best oral hygiene tips for a happier, healthier mouth and smile.
Because regular dental check-ups are a standardised procedure, there are some basic things that you can expect each time. These include:
- A tooth, gum, and mouth examination, along with a check of any existing dental issues you might have
- Checks for any signs of oral cancers
- A review of your general health to update your record of any recent changes
- X-rays for new patients or patients who report changes to their dental environment
- A comprehensive dental clean to remove built-up plaque that brushing and flossing can’t remove
- Giving individual advice on how you can improve your oral hygiene routines, such as cleaning and care techniques
Is It Time for Your Teeth to Be Checked?
The time between your regular dental check-ups will vary based on your dental health, so discussing this with the dentist when you come into Boon Dental is essential. If you have any health problems affecting your dental health, you may be asked to come in more frequently.
Generally, it is customary to book a dental check-up once every six months if you have dental implants, veneers, are awaiting dental surgery, or have recently undergone surgery. Your dentist will ask you to schedule your check-ups more frequently to track and stay on top of any changes that could lead to avoidable issues later on.
Meet the Dental Hygienist
The first thing you will do as part of your regular dental check-up is meet the dental hygienist. The Boon Dental team members are all friendly and professional with a keen interest in patient care and comfort. When they meet with you, they will talk you through everything that will take place and ensure you know what to expect during your visit.
Medical Examination
The medical examination starts with a conversation about your general health and any medical treatments you have undergone since your last visit. Then the dentist checks the soft tissues in the mouth for ulcerations or lesions that indicate dental injury or related health issues. The dentist will also quickly check the jaw and associated muscles. This will see if your bite is correct, not causing additional wear on your teeth, and that there isn’t any tension in the jaw muscles that cause discomfort.
The dentist checks each tooth one after the other for cavities, decay, trauma, and other problems to ensure that no stone is left unturned. Radiographs may be necessary to look for hidden decay and gum disease and to check the health of wisdom teeth if applicable.
Cleaning Process
Because hardened plaque is virtually impossible to remove with brushing alone, it needs to be removed by the dentist, so it does not build up and promote the growth of bacteria. After the medical examination, the cleaning process involves:
- Removing plaque and tartar build-up using a scaler
- Removing additional plaque and tartar with a gritty toothpaste cleaning
- Professional flossing to remove any material stuck between teeth
- Rinsing to remove debris
- A simple fluoride treatment to give your teeth extra protection over the next few months until your next appointment
If you require any other treatments or exams specific to your health needs, then the dentist will ensure that these take place. These can include applying molar sealants or taking additional scans or x-rays
Post-Cleaning Examination and Aftercare
After your cleaning, the supervising dentist will perform a final inspection. By this point, the dentist will have reviewed your x-rays or radiographs to evaluate any areas of interest for the best service based on your individual needs.
Dental Exams and X-Rays
Although cleaning is often the main reason people regularly visit the dentist, the importance of a thorough dental exam with accompanying x-rays cannot be overstated. A comprehensive dental exam with x-rays will identify any underlying issues that may not be visible yet before they have a chance to become more serious.
This is why it is essential to book in for regular dental check-ups, even when you feel that there are no problems. Prevention is better than trying to repair the damage later on, which can save you money, time, and interruptions to your daily life.
Prevention is Better than Cure
A regular dental check-up is a standardised procedure that checks and maintains the ongoing health of your teeth and mouth. This is how your dentist can identify any problem early on while also providing a dental cleaning that regular brushing cannot achieve. As a preventative measure, regularly booking in for your check-ups can save time and money in the long term.
When was the last time you made it in for a check-up? If it was over six months ago, you are likely overdue for one. Visit the Boon Dental website for more information and to schedule an appointment today.