Although the American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every 6 months to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other common oral issues, sources estimate that only 37% to 50% of Americans do so. That means you’re not alone if you’ve avoided scheduling routine dental visits.
Whether you’re worried about the cost or have dental anxiety, skipping standard checkups and cleanings can harm your smile. If it’s been a while since your last visit, knowing what to expect can help soothe any frayed nerves. Continue reading to learn about 4 steps your provider will likely take when you arrive!
Step #1: Update Medical History
One of the first things your dental team will want to do is update your medical history. They may ask about recent diagnoses, procedures, prescription medications, or supplements you take regularly so they can avoid doing anything that might cause an adverse reaction. They may also note your vitals, such as your blood pressure and heart rate, for the same reason.
Step #2: Examination & Treatment Plan
Once your records are up to date, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, bite alignment, and any existing dental work to determine whether they’re in good shape. Most dentists take X-rays at least once a year to help ensure nothing is developing beneath the surface, so don’t be surprised if your provider recommends imaging if it’s been a while since your last appointment. They’ll also scan the soft tissues of your mouth for any signs of oral cancer.
Then, if they find any areas of concern, like tooth decay or puffy, swollen gums, they’ll devise a customized treatment plan for your approval.
Step #3: Professional Cleaning
Next, your oral hygienist will use specialized dental instruments to carefully remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup from your enamel and gumline to prevent common problems, like cavities or gum disease. They’ll also floss your teeth to remove bacteria that may be hiding between them or in the pockets of your connective tissues for a more thorough cleaning.
Then, your hygienist will polish your enamel using a special brush to reduce surface stains. Before wrapping up your visit, they may also want to apply topical fluoride, which strengthens the protective outer layer of your teeth to better resist decay, damage, and disease.
Step #4: Time for Questions
Before sending you home for the day, your dental team will discuss their findings about your current condition as well as tips for improving your at-home dental hygiene routine. If you have questions about anything, this is the ideal time to ask them! Most providers are happy to share as much information as needed for you to feel confident moving forward.
As you can see, there is usually nothing to fear from routine checkups and cleanings, even if some time has passed between appointments!
About the Practice
Patients at South Ridge Dental benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Drs. Ryan and Steven Shaffer share decades of experience working with patients of all ages, and today, they offer a complete menu of services, including checkups and cleanings, to meet your unique needs. They combine a caring approach with advanced technology to customize treatment plans for more comfortable, accurate, and long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (402) 423-1616.