Although the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every 6 months for a standard checkup and cleaning, sources estimate that only about 63% to 65% of U.S. adults have seen their provider in the past year.
You might think it’s okay to skip routine appointments if you haven’t noticed obvious issues, but you might develop hidden problems that are impossible to detect by yourself at home. If it’s been a while since your last visit, read on to learn about 4 steps you can expect your dentist to take once you arrive!
Step #1: Update Medical History
The first thing that’s likely to happen is a medical history update. Your dentist needs to know about any official diagnoses, procedures, prescription medications, and other supplements you take regularly to avoid doing anything that might cause an adverse reaction.
They might also measure different health statistics, such as your heart rate and blood pressure, to help establish a baseline for your general health.
Step #2: Dental Examination
Next, your dentist will carefully assess your teeth, gums, bite alignment, and any existing dental work, such as fillings or crowns, to assure that everything is functioning properly. They are also likely going to take X-rays to determine whether any areas of concern are developing beneath the surface of your smile.
If they find any issues, such as cavities or gum disease, they’ll provide a treatment plan for your approval. Don’t be surprised if they also screen the soft tissues of your mouth for signs of oral cancer, which is often included with standard preventive visits.
Step #3: Professional Cleaning
After your dentist gives you a clean bill of oral health, the next part of your appointment consists of a thorough dental cleaning. Your hygienist uses special dental instruments to carefully remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar, which might have built up if it’s been a while since your last appointment. This helps prevent chronic bad breath and other common concerns, like tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Step #4: Time for Questions
After your smile is examined and cleaned, your team will take time to answer any questions you have about your current dental condition, their findings, or recommended services so you feel confident moving forward.
This entire process can often be completed in a single, hour-long visit, though the timing depends on your unique circumstances. Generally, the longer you go between checkups and cleanings, the more likely you are to develop problems that require longer appointments or more complex treatments.
About the Practice
Patients at Wethersfield Dental Group benefit from a team of dental experts who are passionate about helping them build happy, healthy teeth and gums. With general dentists, a prosthodontist, and a periodontist in the office, they provide a comprehensive menu of top-quality services, including checkups and cleanings, customized to meet your unique needs. Their caring approach, paired with advanced technology, delivers more comfortable, beautiful results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (860) 400-3007.