What to Expect at a Dental Checkup

Did you know the average person spends 38.5 days brushing their teeth over their lifetime? Unfortunately, one in ten will admit they forget to brush their teeth regularly. But even if we practice the best dental care routine, you should be sure to visit the dentist twice per year. Not only does this protect tooth enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body, but it ensures you’re not suffering from oral health issues.

Here’s what you can expect from your dental checkup.

What does my dentist do?

Dentists are defined as a surgeon who specialized in dentistry. This includes the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. More specialized forms of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry and pediatric dentistry, will focus on specific conditions or groups of people. For example, a pediatric dentist will have experience monitoring the growth and oral health of children. An orthodontist specializes in jaw alignment and Invisalign procedures.

You may notice some dentists have the initials DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and others have DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). The difference between the two is the title used on their dental school’s degrees. Their education and training are incredibly similar, so don’t be alarmed.

When you arrive

When you first arrive at your dental checkup, you will be asked for your dental insurance information and driver’s license. More often than not, you will pay for a checkup when you first arrive, however, you might have to pay extraneous fees if your dental service provider suggests a routine X-Ray.

When you’re in the chair

When visiting a general dentist for a dental checkup, you can expect an examination of your mouth, a cleaning of your teeth and gums, and perhaps an X-Ray of your mouth. Your dental service provider will assess the health of your mouth which will lead into a discussion about your dental habits.

Should your dentist discover any signs of tooth decay or other cavities, they will recommend another appointment to treat the infected tooth. During this procedure, your dentist might utilize a crown to stem decay from further affecting your mouth.

In order to prevent tooth decay, it is important to take the necessary preventive measures. This includes visiting your dentist twice per year, but also maintaining proper oral care between these visits. Your dentists will also educate you on how to improve your dental hygiene.

Even though you should engage in routine visits to the dentist, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule an additional appointment if you have a health issue. For example, if you experience a toothache, bleeding gums, or teeth sensitivity, it is important to make an appointment for a dental checkup. Contact Loudon Dental Associates today for more information.