Every dentist will advise their patients to come in for a biannual dental checkup. But why should we bother? The answer is simple: because it is a quick yet very effective way to boost as well as preserve the health of our teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Our dental clinic in SE Calgary in McKenzie Towne offers routine dental checkups and cleanings near you. To schedule an appointment of your own, get in touch with our staff. They’ll work with you to select the best day and time for you to come in.
Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is all about preserving the health of your smile by practicing good habits. These habits include frequent teeth brushing, flossing at least once a day, wearing mouth guards while playing sports, managing the type of food and drink you consume (not eating super crunchy foods that can crack your teeth, for example), and attending dental checkups.
Ordinary dental checkups take less than 15 minutes to conduct and help your dentist identify any potential issues that may turn more serious in the future. Your dentist will also suggest that you make an appointment to address those issues before they flare up.
What a Dental Checkup Includes
Dental checkups and dental cleanings are usually booked together as one appointment. When you visit a hygienist and dentist near you for a cleaning and checkup, your hygienist will perform the treatment, followed by your dentist checking the state of your teeth and gums afterward.
The basic breakdown of a checkup is:
Step 1: Discussion of your medical history and dental situation.
Your dentist will inquire about your medical history if this is your very first visit or inquire about changes to your health, including new medications, diabetes, heart conditions, arthritis, pregnancy etc.
Your dentist will inquire about your oral health history and whether you’ve been experiencing any issues like sensitivity or bleeding gums.
Step 2: A physical exam.
Your dentist will use a small, angled mirror which allows them to see behind and between your teeth and gums, as well as check for the softening of tooth enamel and dentine. They may also feel down your jaw and neck, checking for any abnormal lumps.
Your dentist will also check for issues with jaw alignment, teeth grinding, and oral cancer. They will check for TMD issues by seeing if there’s a popping sound when you bite down. At the same time, alignment of your jaw and bite is assessed to ensure there are no problems. To check for teeth grinding, the dentist will inspect the grooves of your teeth to see if any of them are smoothed down or have cracks.
Step 3: X-rays.
Digital scans of your mouth will be taken and uploaded to a computer. These images allow your dentist to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your gums, particularly with your bones and lower facial muscles.
Should you require more care to stay comfortable during your appointment, don’t hesitate to let your dental team know.
In most cases, a dental evaluation is combined with a cleaning, which consists of the removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, flossing, rinsing, and the application of fluoride.
And that’s it! If you’re dealing with more extensive dental problems like a budding cavity or gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you come in for further appointment to address those specific issues.
Advantages of Dental Checkups
Dental checkups are important for patients of all ages. They’re beneficial to us for many reasons, and those reasons are listed below:
- Freshens up your breath.
- Can help you sleep better. It’s the truth! For those of us who struggle with nighttime bruxism, your dentist will be able to identify this during your checkup and suggest the most appropriate solution.
- It sets a good example for our kids.
- Stops teeth loss and bone deterioration. It’s financially beneficial. By keeping your mouth clean on a regular basis, you won’t have to worry about paying for additional treatments further down the line.
If you have not had your regular dental checkup and cleaning, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Almost all dental insurances cover this form of treatment. Take advantage of your dental benefits to maintain good oral health and putting them to good use before they expire at the end of the calendar year. Maximize your dental insurance benefits and minimize out of pocket expenses. Here at our community dental clinic, we offer checkups in McKenzie Towne. Call, come in, or head over to our website to book an appointment to get started today!