Whether you’re a new patient or you’ve been to the dentist for years, knowing what to expect during your dental checkup can make your next appointment easier.
During a routine dental exam and cleaning, your hygienist will use special tools to clean your teeth and remove plaque buildup. They may also apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen tooth enamel and fight harmful bacteria.
The best dentist in Saratoga Springs NY recommends getting dental checkups every six months, or more often if necessary.
Consultation
A dental checkup is a chance for your dentist to assess the health of your teeth and gums. They will also review any existing issues that you have and make recommendations for future treatment if necessary.
The dentist may take X-rays to identify cavities or other dental problems not visible to the naked eye. These X-rays can help detect other medical conditions, such as gum disease or oral cancer.
Before your appointment, ensure you have your dental records and insurance information ready. This will save you time in the dental office Happy Valley Oregon and help them provide you with the best care possible.
The hygienist will begin by cleaning your teeth, and then the dentist will come in and examine each tooth. They will use a metal probe or an ultrasonic tool to look for any areas of concern. They will then measure the depth of your gum pockets to find any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination
The dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums during a dental checkup to assess your condition. They will also use a brush and floss to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
The dentist will also examine your tongue, lips and other soft tissues for signs of oral cancer. This is important because oral cancer can be severe if not detected early.
Before the dentist begins the examination, they will ask you for your medical history. This includes any diseases you have had, diagnoses and medications you are currently taking.
You should also let the dentist know if you have allergies. This will help them prescribe the proper medications to treat your issues.
Cleaning
Dental cleaning is a necessary part of maintaining a healthy mouth. It removes the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, helping to reduce your risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay.
Typically, a dental cleaning is performed by a hygienist or dentist with the help of special tools that scrape the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. This process should not cause any significant pain or discomfort.
The hygienist or dentist will also examine your oral health during the cleaning. This involves looking for any areas that need treatment, like inflamed or bleeding gums, cavities and other signs of tooth decay.
Your dentist or hygienist may also recommend dental x-rays to get a better look at your teeth. X-rays benefit patients who last had dental work done a while ago.
X-Rays
X-rays are a safe and effective way for doctors to evaluate your health. They help detect bone problems, heart disease and other medical conditions.
When you come in for a dental checkup, your dentist may examine your teeth and mouth to look for cavities or other dental problems. X-rays are usually taken at regular intervals to catch problems early.
You will be asked to undress and remove any jewelry that might interfere with the images. Then the technologist will escort you into the X-ray room and place you on a table near the X-ray machine.
If you have an X-ray with contrast dye (contrast media), your provider will give you a shot through an IV (intravenous). The dye helps soft tissues and other structures appear better in the images.
It can take a few minutes for the contrast agent to work. Drink lots of fluids before and after your X-ray to help flush the contrast out of your system.