Has it been over six months since your last appointment with a general dentist? Read on to learn more about the importance of regular dental checkups. Regular dental care is important for healthy, long-lasting smiles, and your general dentist aims to help you achieve optimal oral health.
General dentists and preventive care
The basis of preventive dentistry is routine dental checkups. These appointments allow the dentist to evaluate the patient’s oral health, identify potential issues with the oral cavity, and recommend appropriate treatment to avert potential complications. During a checkup, the dentist will check the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues for symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. Oral cancer screening is also often part of the checkup.
Professional dental cleaning
Even after brushing and flossing correctly at home, it may be difficult to completely remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Patients can keep their mouths healthy and clean by getting regular dental cleanings. During a cleaning appointment, a hygienist uses specific instruments to remove tartar and plaque between teeth. They will also polish away surface stains to make the teeth smoother and brighter.
Dental fillings
The breakdown of enamel caused by acids produced by bacteria causes dental caries (commonly called cavities). Dental fillings repair decayed teeth and fill in cavities to restore their shape and function. Longer lasting, composite resin dental fillings are available that match the color of the teeth. It is advisable to fill a tooth on time because the issue gets progressively worse.
Treatment for gum disease
If gum disease is not treated promptly, serious problems like receding gums and lost teeth may occur. Getting professional help for gum disease is important for maintaining healthy gums. Treatments can include medication and surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. After treatment, patients have to maintain good gum health with routine cleanings and checkups and other proper oral hygiene steps.
Dental implants
Dental implants offer long-term solutions for tooth loss and dental rehabilitation. Implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone to support a dental bridge or crown. The dental professional will perform assessments and place dental implants accurately to ensure the best outcome for their patients.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is so badly damaged or decayed that saving it is practically impossible. In such cases, the tooth must be removed to prevent future problems and to protect adjacent teeth and tissues. Although the thought of having a tooth pulled may be nerve-wracking, advances in dental procedures and pain management ensure a comfortable and relaxed extraction.
In conclusion
You should take great care of your gums and teeth regularly to keep your smile beautiful and healthy. You can maintain the health and look of your smile by scheduling regular dentist visits, practicing good dental hygiene, and seeking dental care whenever necessary. If it has been six months or more since your last dental visit, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Cholla Family Dentistry at 480-359-3513 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
Related Posts
As part of their mission to keep mouths healthy, a general dentist offers a variety of single-tooth replacement options. Even just missing one tooth can impact your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Single-tooth replacements may be the efficient solution to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile.Losing a single tooth can…
General dentists are the number one go-to for preventing and eliminating threats to oral health. While the American Dental Association generally recommends that everyone begin attending biannual appointments at 12 months of age, we understand that some can overlook this. This first checkup can be the beginning of regular biannual appointments to help ensure your…
Each visit to your general dentist is important for your oral health. Checkups include professional dental cleanings. Having this regular treatment provides more than a bright smile. Here are the reasons for getting regular dental cleanings from your general dentist.The mouth is part of the respiratory system. Bad bacteria in the mouth can reach the…