To maintain your oral health, seeing your dentist regularly for routine dental check-ups is crucial. At each check-up, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to ensure there are no dental problems that must be addressed since your last visit. For younger adults, it is recommended to have dental check-ups at least every six months. In comparison, older adults with a low risk of oral diseases should have a check-up at least once a year. Those with a higher risk of oral disease should visit their dentist every three to six months to ensure their teeth are in good condition. Although these time frames differ, everyone must visit their dentist regularly for routine check-ups to discuss and improve their oral health. If you need a routine dental check-up, contact our proficient general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ, to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Please continue reading to learn what happens during routine dental cleanings.
What happens during a routine dental check-up?
Firstly, you will be called into the exam room, where a dental hygienist will clean your teeth. The hygienist will use various tools and instruments to remove and scrape plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. This process is called scaling. Although you may hear grinding sounds, this process will not hurt. Once they have finished scaling, they will polish your teeth. Typically, the hygienist will use a paste to clean the surfaces of your teeth and around your gum lines. After they have finished scaling and polishing, they will report any findings to the dentist before they come to examine your mouth. If you have any dental issues, they may use a sealant or fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and reduce the risk of further dental problems. From here, they will take a dental X-ray to provide internal images of your teeth and jaws.
When the dentist enters the exam room, they will complete a quick check-up. They will examine your teeth, gums, throat, and neck to check for abnormalities that may indicate an underlying dental issue. They will also review the X-rays that may have been taken. They will discuss potential treatment options if they have discovered a dental problem during your cleaning. Usually, dental check-ups only take around 30 minutes to an hour. However, they can take longer depending on whether they discover any dental issues that need to be addressed.
Early detection is essential. Poor oral health doesn’t just affect your teeth. It can lead to life-threatening issues. That said, you should schedule an appointment with a skilled dentist from Dental Associates of Basking Ridge as soon as possible for a routine dental check-up. You can count on our team to help you maintain your oral health.
