Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends seeing your provider every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning? Despite this, only an estimated 40% to 45% of adults had a visit in the past year.
Proper preventative care, including consistent checkups with your dentist, helps you avoid common concerns to preserve your smile. However, many patients hesitate to schedule an appointment if it’s been a while since they had one because they are unsure what to expect. Continue reading to learn 3 things that typically happen during routine visits to ease your anxiety!
Step 1: Updating Medical History
The first thing your dental team will do when you arrive at the office is update your medical history and list any current prescriptions or supplements that you’re taking. Plenty of people expect this from their doctor’s office but are surprised when their dentist also needs their stats and information
That said, your oral condition affects and is impacted by your general health, and your provider wants to avoid treatments and medications that might interfere with any known conditions. They can better protect your smile without harming your overall well-being by keeping your record current.
Step 2: Dental Examination
After your information is updated, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure no issues have developed since your last appointment. They check for common concerns like tooth decay, periodontal problems, and other injuries. They even screen the soft tissues of your mouth for signs of oral cancer to prevent this rare yet potentially deadly condition.
Many providers also take X-rays at least once annually to ensure that no hidden ailments have developed beneath the surface of your connective tissues. Imaging allows them to see what’s invisible to the naked eye to protect your grin.
Step 3: Thorough Cleaning
After your dentist examines your mouth, your hygienist will thoroughly wash your teeth and gums. First, they’ll use a specially designed instrument called a ‘scaler’ to scrape stubborn plaque and tartar off your enamel. Once they’ve gone over each pearly white, they’ll thoroughly floss your gums to eradicate disease-causing germs. Finally, they’ll use a special electric brush to polish your teeth, which removes more recent surface stains so that you smile sparkles.
Depending on your circumstances, they might also include a topical fluoride treatment to remineralize your enamel.
If you’re concerned that your dentist might call you out for the lengthy wait between appointments, you can set your concerns aside. Usually, they’re more concerned with boosting your oral health than wanting to berate you for the delay!
Meet the Author
Dr. Cher Rich has 20+ years of experience helping families in Houston build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. She earned her dental degree at the University of Texas at Houston Dental School and then opened her practice in 2007. Today, she provides a comprehensive array of services to help people of all ages improve their oral conditions. She combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable, accurate treatments for reliable results. If it’s been a while since your last checkup and cleaning, you can request an appointment on the website or call (281) 469-6281.