The importance of routine dental exams cannot be overstated. Keeping your teeth and gums strong is essential to maintaining good oral and overall health for a lifetime. Not to mention, healthy smiles can play a key role in helping people look their best and feel confident. That’s why the trusted dental team at Washington Court House Dental is here to make your routine dental exams as convenient and comfortable as possible. With our state-of-the-art equipment and modern techniques, we are committed to helping you keep your smile bright for years to come. Here’s what you should know before scheduling your next dental checkup.
During your dental exam at Washington Court House Dental, a dental assistant will take X-rays of your mouth so that one of our experienced dentists can see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Then, he will closely examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of dental disease, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. If you’ve had any dental treatments in the past, such as a crown or bridge, he will also make sure that they are in good condition and note if something should be restored or repaired.
After thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, and the soft tissues of your mouth, the dentist will provide you with a personalized treatment plan to care for your smile going forward. He will also be happy to address any oral health questions or concerns you may have.
Because dental exams and professional cleanings are both preventive dental services and often take place within the same appointment window, you may think that they’re the same treatment, but they’re not. They are two separate procedures that have their own unique steps and benefits. A dental cleaning is usually performed by a dental hygienist. It is done specifically to remove plaque and tartar build-up from a patient’s teeth that couldn’t otherwise be removed by regular brushing and flossing. On the other hand, a dental exam is performed by a dentist. It entails thoroughly evaluating the patient’s oral health to identify, treat, and prevent potential oral health concerns from progressing.
The amount of time that your dental exam will take depends on the condition of your mouth, whether your appointment is an initial or periodic exam, and what treatments the dentist recommends. For instance, initial dental exams can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of information that must be charted and how quickly the patient’s mouth can be assessed. For most patients, however, regular six-month dental exams take less than thirty minutes unless there has been a significant change in the patient’s oral health within the last six months.
Bi-annual routine dental exams are covered by most dental insurance plans. For more information on what your particular dental insurance policy covers, please contact our office.
The American Association of Dentistry recommends that everyone have their teeth examined by a dentist at least twice a year. While your teeth may look healthy and strong to you, a closer look by a professional could prove otherwise. Many oral health concerns, such as tooth decay and gum recession, can develop without a person realizing it and quickly progress into a more serious situation if not properly treated. For this reason, keeping your routine dental exams at Washington Court House Dental is an investment in your oral health.
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, there’s no better time than now to book an appointment with our friendly dental team. A short visit to Washington Court House Dental twice a year can make a tremendous difference in keeping your mouth comfortable, functional, and, of course, beautiful. Give us a call today to schedule your next dental checkup appointment!
Call 740-333-7290 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
