Oftentimes, the intrinsic value of our teeth is only rethought of once we feel the pain and discoloration of our own doing set it. Getting dental check-ups is an important part of compensating for the lack of attention we give our teeth. A visit to the dentist once every six months will give a clear assessment of the current status of our teeth and other major organs that are affected by our bite.
But we must also make sure that our oral health is 100% assessed whenever we check-in inside the dental clinic. People often believe that having only the teeth examined is the entire check-up procedure. You may as well get a refund from your dentist if he/she's not giving your money's worth on check-ups. Typical operating procedures of regular dental check-ups include:
Cleaning - This procedure usually entails the thorough expertise of your dentist/dental hygienist. At first, they will conduct an initial oral exam to see if your teeth are in great shape and do not require intense cleaning; afterward, they will administer the cleaning process itself. If you are suffering from a plaque or other forms of oral infections, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, the dentist may recommend other forms of medication and regimens to restore your teeth's good health. If the dentist requires you to come back days after your present appointment, do not hesitate. That only means that the dentist is documenting improvements to your oral health.
After the cleaning process, do not forget to ask questions on how your teeth should be cleaned and what toothpaste/toothbrush brand your dentist recommends you to use. Additionally, you can ask about cheaper alternatives to medications your dentist/hygienist is prescribing you.
Polishing - Polishing is done to remove the hardened plaque and stains on the tooth surface. Polishing is often mistaken as the "cleaning" process, whereas it's not. If you see your dentist/hygienist brushing your teeth with a rather large electric toothbrush with a rotating rubber cup with loads of fluoride on the bristles of the brush, then the polishing process has begun.
You would be surprised to know that the polishing process will take away most of the clogged stains on the surface and corners of your teeth.
Prevention - A good dentist is a preventive dentist. As much as dentists want to earn living treating the teeth, it's their utmost priority to make sure that you do not get serious oral health diseases, like calculus, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Listen carefully to what your dentist will prescribe to you before your appointment ends. If you think that you are brushing too hard or flossing the wrong way, bring your toothbrush and dental floss and demonstrate how you do your regimen in front of your dentist so he/she can give you an assessment if you are brushing/flossing correctly and if there are recommendations to improve your brushing/flossing technique.
X-rays - X-rays are often not conducted at the time of the appointment. Your dentist may set you up for an appointment with a diagnostic specialist at a later date to take X-rays of your teeth and jaw. Expect X-ray examinations if you are undergoing a root canal, a tooth implant, getting braces, dentures or other dental appliances for your teeth.
Important Note: If it's you are seeing a new dentist, we suggest that you get copies of your medical history/X-rays (if possible)/and other assessments made by your previous dentist. This way, you can reduce examination costs and probably get a more precise assessment of your current dental health and dental anatomy.
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