Twice a year you should make an appointment for a dental checkup. These visits allow your dentist to examine your mouth and assess your current oral health status. Many people avoid seeing the dentist because they don’t have time or they have anxiety about the experience. Routine care helps protect your teeth, saving you time and money in the long run.
Your dental checkup will usually include:
X-rays
Normally, your dentist will take X-rays once a year. These films can identify issues that might otherwise stay hidden, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, damage to jawbones, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth. Most dentists now use digital X-rays, which produce clearer images and emit minimal radiation.
Professional Cleaning
Although your brush and floss regularly, it’s good to have a thorough cleaning from the dental hygienist. Using special tools, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar built-up to lessen your chances of developing gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems.
Oral Cancer Screening
Every hour of every day, one American dies of oral cancer. Most of the time, oral cancer is found in the later stages and survival rates are seriously diminished. Early detection can considerably improve your odds. Your dentist knows what to look for and will order additional testing if he or she finds anything suspicious.
Complete Evaluation
To help you maintain optimal oral health, the dentist will look at your teeth, gums and mouth, checking for signs of disease or other problems. By finding issues like decay or gum disease early, your dentist can minimize damage and revive your smile.
Keeping your smile healthy at Elegance Family Dentistry in Newport Beach, CA – Shahram Salimy DDS
