You might think that if you consistently brush and floss your teeth at home you’re safe from issues like tooth decay or gum disease, but that’s not necessarily true. Unfortunately, you can develop a problem and be completely unaware. For example, early signs of gum disease are notoriously hard to spot, and you might have a cavity between your teeth or behind your molars where you can’t see it.
Thankfully, your dentists at South Ridge Dental can protect and polish your smile through regular dental checkups and cleanings. We know how to identify areas of concern and address them before they progress into anything worse. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, feel free to contact us and our dedicated staff will be happy to assist you.
Why Choose South Ridge Dental for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Accept Dental Insurance & Provide In-House Membership
- Advanced Technology to Enhance Accuracy & Patient Comfort
- Welcome Patients of All Ages
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
It’s normal to assume that your smile is in good health if you aren’t in any noticeable pain. However, this isn’t always the case. For example, if you have a tooth with weakening enamel and haven’t seen your dentist for a checkup, it’ll progress into tooth decay which can spread and impact surrounding teeth. Because oral issues don’t resolve on their own, your cavity will only get worse, and you’ll eventually require more costly and complex treatments. You might need an emergency root canal or a tooth extraction.
Seeing a professional consistently allows them to monitor the condition of your teeth and gums to spot areas of concern early enough to treat them. That way you can avoid possible pitfalls in the future.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
If you’ve been anxiously avoiding the dentist, it can set your mind at ease to have a solid understanding of what’s involved. Dental checkups typically include:
- An oral examination. We’ll visually inspect your teeth, gums, existing dental work, and bite alignment.
- An oral cancer screening. Many patients don’t know this is included in their preventative care appointment. It’s typically highly treatable if caught quickly enough, and your dentist knows how to identify the early indicators.
- X-rays. We use digital X-rays to see below the surface of your mouth to spot potential issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as those affecting the jawbone.
- Offer treatment options if needed. If we do see any areas of concern, we’ll recommend appropriate remedies and develop a plan with your input.
- Q&A. We take the time to inform you of our findings and answer any questions you may have about at-home dental care.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Following your checkup, you’ll have a professional cleaning which usually consists of:
- Plaque removal. Our hygienists use specialized tools to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup from your teeth and along your gum line. This protects your grin from tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
- We’ll thoroughly floss your teeth to remove buildup from between them and from under your gums.
- Fluoride treatment. This strengthens your enamel to prevent cavities.
- Tooth polishing. Once your teeth have been cleaned, we’ll polish them to remove surface stains and lighten them.
When you leave after your appointment, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your smile is as healthy as it is beautiful.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
Dentists can typically complete a regular dental exam in about ten to fifteen minutes. This oral health evaluation will include an oral cancer screening and a visual examination of your teeth and soft tissues. If Dr. Shaffer detects any signs of trouble, he will be happy to design an appropriate treatment plan and schedule you for further appointments if necessary. He’ll also take the time to answer any questions you have about how to take care of your oral health, and he’ll evaluate the condition of any restorations you use. If you use any removable appliances like dentures, please bring them with you.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
If you practice excellent oral hygiene and visit our office in Lincoln every six months for routine checkups, you will probably only require a regular dental cleaning that will take about thirty minutes. However, a patient who has untreated gum disease may require additional treatments that may need to be scheduled for another day. If you wish to minimize how long your cleaning will take, be sure to brush and floss before you arrive at our office for your appointment.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?
Dr. Shaffer may recommend fluoride after a dental cleaning to reinforce the enamel and reduce populations of harmful oral bacteria. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that possesses the remarkable ability to help enamel replace lost minerals, which can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities. The process of treating teeth with fluoride takes only a few moments and involves Dr. Shaffer brushing fluoridated gel or foam over the teeth, and the patient will have to fast for an hour afterward to maximize the treatment’s effects. Please contact our Lincoln office to learn more about the benefits of fluoride.
How often should I receive oral cancer screenings?
Our dentist will carefully screen your soft tissues for signs of oral cancer during your each of your checkups. This process can take only moments, and it can make it much easier to detect troubling symptoms early. Dr. Shaffer cannot diagnose oral cancer on his own, but he will be happy to refer you to an appropriate specialist if he finds anything concerning. Keep in mind that being referred to a specialist for further testing does not mean you actually have oral cancer but it’s important to check in case something is wrong. Early detection of oral cancer is one of the best ways to achieve a favorable prognosis.
