Regular dental checkups and cleanings are vital for maintaining good oral health. You may have good intentions of keeping up with these visits, but life can get in the way. Whether it’s a busy schedule, dental anxiety, or financial concerns, time can pass quickly, leaving you without the oral healthcare you need. If you’re ready to put your smile first but forgot what a preventive visit is like, keep reading to learn what you can expect.
Overview of Medical History & Medications
When you arrive, your dental team will discuss your medical history and current medication list with you. This information is necessary to understand your overall health and how it might impact your teeth and gums.
Also, knowing about your medicines can help us determine whether certain treatment recommendations are feasible or unsafe.
Dental Examination
During your dental examination, a hygienist will not only take digital X-rays and other imaging scans of your mouth but also perform gum charting to determine the depth of your tissues. This indicates whether gum disease might be present.
You will also undergo an oral cancer screening to determine if you have any sores, lesions, discolored patches of tissue, or other abnormalities that require further testing.
Treatment Planning Discussion
The dentist will arrive to review the digital images and provide a thorough examination of your smile before determining whether additional treatment is required. If so, a detailed plan will be created that indicates how your dental team expects to address tooth decay, gum disease, damage, infection, etc.
Your dentist will go over the details to ensure you agree with the proposed plan and expected costs.
Dental Cleaning
Before leaving, a hygienist will begin cleaning your teeth with specialized instruments, removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline. Even if you floss regularly, you may experience slight bleeding because of the approach required to remove harmful bacteria effectively.
They will give your teeth a final polish and ask if you would like fluoride treatment to protect your pearly whites between appointments.
There is no reason to be nervous or unsure about your upcoming dental checkup and cleaning visit. Once you’re back in the treatment chair, your dentist will be eager to help you put your smile back on track.
About the Author
Dr. Rashmi Barr is a graduate of the Texas A&M School of Dentistry in Dallas. As a dentist in Fort Worth, she aims to elevate the dental experience for her patients, regardless of the type of treatment they receive. When providing preventive services, such as general checkups and cleanings, she and her team ensure complete comfort and transparency. If it has been a while since your last appointment, visit our website or call (817) 259-0356 to schedule your next visit.