If you’re like most people, you probably don’t look forward to going to the dentist. Many people worry about the pain associated with major dental work, such as cavities or tooth extractions. However, routine dental checkups and cleanings are usually painless and only take a short time.
Also, a routine dental checkup every six months is essential for preventing and addressing tooth decay. Routine checkups remove tartar build-ups, address dental decay, and look for signs of oral cancer. They’re vital for maintaining a healthy smile.
So, what happens during a dental checkup and cleaning at your local dental clinic?
Meeting Your Dental Assistant
One of the first things you’ll notice when you enter the dental office is the friendly face of your dental assistant. Your dental assistant will help you get settled in the chair and ask you about your teeth or overall oral health concerns.
Dental assistants generally help the dentist with procedures and provide patient care. You may also see a dental hygienist at a regular dental checkup. Dental hygienists are usually responsible for cleaning teeth and taking x-rays.
Chat with Your Dentist
When it’s time to meet with your dentist, you’ll be treated by our highly qualified University of Sydney Dentists at Lexington Dental. Your dentist will ask you about any concerns you have and do an oral exam, which involves taking a look inside your mouth. A thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth will help the dentist identify any problems or areas of concern.
Questions you can ask your dentist include:
- What is the best way to brush and floss my teeth?
- What are some tips for preventing cavities?
- What is the best way to keep my mouth healthy?
- Will I need to see a specialist?
- What are my treatment options?
- Are there any areas where I’m not brushing well enough?
Cleaning
Once your dentist has had a chance to examine your teeth, it’s time for the dentist to clean your teeth. The dentist will remove any built-up plaque or tartar from your teeth and polish them. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can cause tooth decay if it’s not removed. Tartar is a hard deposit that forms on your teeth when plaque isn’t removed.
Professional dental cleaning only takes a few minutes to complete and is essential for maintaining good oral health. At Lexington Dental, we use the painless EMS Airflow Master system from Switzerland to ensure a great, gentle clean. The dentist will then do a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks. A professionally-applied fluoride application will help your teeth stay healthy until your next visit.
Dental X-Rays
Depending on your age, the state of your oral health, and whether you have any symptoms, the dentist may recommend that you have dental x-rays. Most dentists recommend that children and adults have dental x-rays every one to two years. Dental x-rays help the dentist identify problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as decay between your teeth. At Lexington Dental, we have the latest KAVO digital radiography equipment, from Europe, that will give accurate, clear, and low dose imaging for better digital diagnostics.
Dental x-rays check for problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as decay beneath the surface of your teeth. They can pick up issues such as:
- Cavities
- Abscesses and cysts
- Early signs of tumours
- Wisdom teeth that may need to be removed
- Problems with jaw alignment
Treatment Planning
Once your dental checkup is complete, the dentist will discuss any further treatment that may be needed. For example, you may want to remove stains from your teeth and gums. Your dentist will also talk to you about ways to avoid gum disease and maintain good dental health.
Further treatment options can include:
- Invisalign
- Smile design
- Mini – Implants
- Veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Dental Implants
- Sleep dentistry
Private health insurance usually covers the cost of routine dental checkups and cleanings. However, you may have to pay a gap fee for any further treatment needed.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
A dental checkup and cleaning doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. It is essential to promote good dental health for yourself and your family. It’s also an excellent opportunity to raise any dental concerns with your dentist.
If you have any questions about dental checkups or cleanings, please don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. By knowing what to expect, you can relax and let the dentist do their job.
It’s hard to find a dentist that you feel comfortable with, especially if you’ve had a bad experience in the past. You may feel stuck with the dentist you have or that finding a new one is just too much trouble. We understand how you feel, and we’re here to help.
Lexington Dental offers a unique dental care experience that puts your needs first. Our team of dentists is highly skilled and experienced, and our office is designed for your comfort. Schedule your appointment today and see why Lexington Dental is the best dentist in Bella Vista.
