Getting a dental checkup at least annually might seem like unnecessary time out of your schedule, but do not neglect it! Checkups are essential for your overall oral health; just an hour or two a year is a worthwhile investment in your long-term well-being.
However, some people skip their dental checkups because they are nervous about the process, as they do not know what to expect. What does a dentist do during a checkup? Does it hurt? Here is a breakdown of what to expect during your dental checkup so you can approach your next appointment with confidence.
Each dentist will have their own strategy for doing a dental checkup. In general, though, it will typically include the following aspects.
The first thing that most patients experience during their dental checkup is a cleaning. The dental professional will use various tools, including scalers, to remove the plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth. This removes the bacteria that can cause cavities, thus prolonging the life of the teeth.
While patients can remove bacteria and plaque at home, certain areas of the mouth can be hard to reach. This allows for the buildup of tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. This is partly why regular visits are so essential!
Once the teeth are clean, the dentist will polish them. Using a semi-abrasive toothpaste, they will apply gentle pressure using an oscillating toothbrush. This smooths the surface of the teeth and makes it much harder for bacteria to cling to the enamel and cause damage.
Most dentists will give patients’ teeth a good floss while they are in the office. This ensures the most comprehensive cleaning and identifies potential problem areas, such as tight gaps where the patient cannot get floss through themselves. The dentist can address this issue so the patient can floss at home.
The dentist will spend time during a checkup to perform an oral exam. They may gently touch or push on the cheeks, tongue, gums, and other oral structures to feel for any bumps, lumps, or other issues. While they are primarily looking for oral cancer during this step, they can find other problems in their early stages and then work with you to create a plan for treating them.
Not all dentists will automatically include fluoride treatment after a dental checkup for adults, but it is smart to ask for it. Fluoride treatment strengthens the teeth to make them more resilient to cavities until the next time the patient visits.
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Dental checkups are simple, but knowing what to expect beforehand can help ease anxiety about the appointment. Our dentist makes checkups easy so you always understand the next steps in the process. Please contact us today in order to schedule your dental checkup and ask any questions with confidence.
Request an appointment or call Alpharetta Dental Associates at 770-343-3209 for an appointment in our Alpharetta office.
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