Don’t remember the last time you’ve gone to the dentist? If so, it is probably time to book your next appointment! According to the American Dental Association, it is best to visit your dentist every six months for a routine examination. By visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent serious oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also receive a thorough professional cleaning to eliminate tartar buildup and plaque. You’ll even get a refresher on good dental hygiene practices! Wondering why else you should visit your dentist? Here are just a few helpful services you can expect during your routine appointment.
1. Diagnostic X-rays
When you visit your dentist, they will certainly take a few x-rays to get a better look at your teeth. This is critical for the early detection of bone loss, tumors, and decay. It will also help your dentist to get a good look at the positioning of your teeth and roots. All in all, x-rays are an excellent preventative tool to identify disease or illness before they can cause damage.
2. Gum Disease Evaluation
Your dentist will be able to tell pretty easily if you’re experiencing gingivitis or periodontal disease (gum disease). They’ll quickly check the color, texture, and overall health of the gums and teeth. Gum disease is a progressive illness, so getting a check-up regularly will help to detect and treat this disease in its earliest stages.
3. Oral Cancer Screening
According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that there were over 50,000 cases of oral cancer in the United States in 2018. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of awareness surrounding this serious oral health issue. In order to help detect oral cancer in its earliest stages, your dentist will carefully examine your face, tongue, throat, gums, neck, lips, and supporting tissues for signs of the illness.
4. Search for Tooth Decay
Using special dental instruments, your dentist will be able to check each tooth for decay. It is important to identify and treat cavities before they become too big. Otherwise, severe decay can ultimately lead to an infection of the root canal.
5. Check on Existing Restorations
Unfortunately, restorations do not always last forever and they sometimes need to be replaced. Therefore, if you have fillings, crowns, or other restorations, your dentist will examine these closely to ensure they’re in good condition.
6. Tartar Buildup Removal
While plaque can be easily removed with a toothbrush and floss, tartar is not the same story. Tartar is essentially calcified plaque which hardens onto the surfaces of your teeth along the gum line. Tartar cannot be removed without the help of a dental professional. Therefore, your dentist or dental hygienist will use a scaling method to remove the tartar from your teeth.
Scheduling a routine check-up with your dentist is one of the best things you can do for your oral health! To book your next appointment, call Caputo Dental in Naperville today!