Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Savannah

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?

If you don’t have any dental pain or other concerns, you may be wondering why you should bother attending a cleaning and checkup. Ultimately, skipping these visits can cost you a lot of time, discomfort, and money in the long run. When you attend your professional cleaning, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar that could eventually cause cavities and gum disease. Your dentist will also check for existing oral health issues so they can be treated early on. When minor issues are left untreated, they will worsen with time. You could end up needing root canal treatment, a dental crown, or even an extraction later on. By keeping up your oral health through these routine visits, you can lower your risk of serious health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes.

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup

For your dental checkup, your dentist will perform a thorough dental exam. This allows them to confirm that no underlying problems with your teeth or gums are present. Your dentist will perform the following tasks.

• Digital X-Rays – Digital x-rays will be taken based on your needs. For example, if we want to confirm if decay, tumors, cysts or bone loss is present, x-rays are the most effective way to do so. We can also confirm newly erupting teeth in children via x-rays.
• Oral Cancer Screening – Your dentist closely examines your many oral structures, including your lips, face, neck, tongue, throat, tissues and gums for the signs of oral cancer.
• Gum Health Screening – The gums and bone near your teeth will be checked for signs of gum disease, which may include recession, deepened pocket depths, inflammation, swelling or tenderness.
• Look for Tooth Decay – By testing the surface of your tooth enamel, your dentist can confirm the presence of decay or cavities and whether they are beginning to form.
• Evaluate Current Restorations – If you have crowns, fillings, bridges, veneers, or other restorations either from his dental office or from a previous dentist, your dentist will make sure that they are in sufficient condition.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

Even if you are diligent about your daily brushing and flossing, there will still be some parts of your smile that you can’t reach on your own. This is where your professional dental cleanings come in. During this time, your dental hygienist will use dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar from between the teeth and along the gumline. Removing this will reduce your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis (bad breath). Your hygienist will also floss your teeth and polish them to reduce the appearance of surface stains.