Regular Dental Checkup: What to Expect

A regular dental checkup is necessary for keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Visit a dentist annually, every six months, or as recommended by your dentist. Find a dentist who will make you feel comfortable. 

After finding a dentist, make sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a checkup. Do not wait until a problem arises before visiting a dentist. It is vital to understand the importance of regular dental checkups and what to expect. 

Your Medical History

When you visit a dentist for a checkup, the first thing you will do is provide your dental and medical history. The dental professional will ask about your overall health, medications, and pregnancy. 

The dental team will need to know about your anxieties, health concerns, allergies, and anything that can affect your dental experience. The information will help you get the dental care that you need. 

Dental Cleaning 

After sharing your history and dental concerns, the next step in your dental visit is getting a thorough cleaning. The dental professional will begin by scraping off any built-up plaque and tartar above and below the patient’s gumline. 

Flossing between all the teeth will help remove plaque and food particles that cling there. The dentist will use a tooth polisher and a slightly abrasive toothpaste to give the teeth a shiny and smooth finish. 

Examining the Teeth

After cleaning the teeth, the dentist will examine them, looking for any problems in the mouth. Using a metal probe and small mirror, the dentist will look between and behind all the teeth and gums. 

The examination will also involve looking for any softening of the tooth enamel and the dentin. The exam will look for gum swelling, mouth sores, redness, and other oral issues. The dentist will measure periodontal pockets to look for signs of gum disease. 

Taking Dental X-Rays

Your dental checkup will include taking X-rays of your mouth to help the dentist see below the mouth surface. The X-rays help detect issues that are not visible from a casual examination. 

The X-ray imaging machine creates images that show the visible parts of the teeth and the parts below the gumline. By examining the roots and the jaw, the dentist can see what is happening below the surface. The dentist can provide the oral care necessary. 

Comprehensive Dental Exam

A dental exam goes beyond the initial exam conducted by the dental hygienist. During the exam, the dentist will examine the X-rays and conduct an examination to look for oral issues. The different oral issues include fractures, loss of bone, gum abnormalities, teeth grinding, jaw alignment, and other problems. 

The dentist will also look for signs of oral cancer. Inspecting the grooves of the teeth will help detect cracks or wear. After the dental checkup, the dentist will talk to you about the results of the examination. 

You will receive advice about the steps you need to take to maintain good oral health. You may also need to schedule another appointment to deal with any dental issues the dentist may have detected. 

For more on regular dental checkups and what to expect, visit Cal Oaks Dental at our office in Murrieta, California. You can call (951) 501-4900 today to schedule an appointment.