Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

Most of us know that we should be visiting their dentist often, but many don't fully understand the importance of regular dental check-ups. Bertagnolli Dental can give you an insight into the real reasons you should keep up with your yearly dental appointments. When it comes to your oral health, there is a lot at stake. During your regular dental check-up, your dentist is doing the important job of checking your overall health, as well as specific issues with your teeth.

A dental check-up consists of an overall review of your oral health, cleaning your teeth, and updating your file with any changes that have occurred since the last visit. During a typical check-up, no procedures will be carried out. If your dentist has reason to recommend a procedure such as a filling, a deep-clean, a root canal or an implant, they will let you know their recommendations and give you time to think about your options and schedule the procedure for a time that you are comfortable.

The dental exam carried out by your dentist during a check-up is non-invasive. They will use a small mirror to see every surface of each tooth. They may perform a percussion test by tapping each of your teeth with a small blunt tool. They will use a probe to check the surfaces of your teeth for calculus build-up and will run this tool along your gumline to check for loosened or receding gums. Your dentist may also request that you give a saliva sample, or demonstrate your bite strength.

During this exam, your dentist is identifying any areas of tooth decay or gum disease that may have appeared or progressed since your last visit. Additionally, they are examining your entire mouth for signs of oral tumors, vitamin deficiency and issues with your salivary glands. Some health problems such as osteoporosis and diabetes are often first diagnosed by the symptoms exhibited in the mouth and jaw area. The visit to your dentist is part of your overall healthcare and cannot be underestimated.

After carrying out the exam, your dentist or a hygienist will usually clean your teeth to remove any tartar build-up. They can talk to you about specific techniques used in brushing and flossing to help improve your dental hygiene. The dental exam is a good opportunity for the dentist to identify problem areas that may not be getting enough attention in your daily oral hygiene routine. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity for you to discuss with your dentist any dental issues on your mind, whether it be an interest in cosmetic dentistry or concern about halitosis.

The importance of regular dental check-ups goes beyond keeping your teeth and gums healthy. A check-up allows your dentist to catch potential issues before they start causing you pain or permanent damage. If you wait to visit the dentist until you have a problem with your teeth, it is almost inevitable that you will end up spending more time in the chair, more money to fix the problem, and more time in discomfort. To schedule the next check-up for yourself or a family member, contact Bertagnolli Dental.