Have you scheduled your first dental visit? The recommendation is to visit your dentist every six months. This is to get a check-up and cleaning to maintain your oral hygiene. If you are nervous about your visit and don’t know what to expect, we have a guide.
Teeth Talk: What’s Included in a Dental Visit?
Keep reading to learn more about what is expected during a dental check-up.
Cleaning Your Teeth
During your dental check-up, you will meet with a dental hygienist and your dentist. The dental hygienist will start your visit by doing an oral exam of your gums. They will update your chart with any vital information such as overall health and new medicines you might be taking.
Next, your hygienist will take any x-rays ordered by the dentist and do a thorough cleaning. This type of cleaning will remove any hardened plaque accumulated that can’t be removed during routine brushing and flossing.
Your hygienist will use several different types of metal instruments to remove the plaque and clean your teeth. If you need a deep cleaning above and below your gum line, they may need to use an ultrasonic scaler.
At the end of the cleaning, you will rinse your mouth to remove any plaque that might be left behind. Your hygienist might also recommend some fluoride, which will help keep your teeth clean and protected longer.
Polishing
Once your hygienist has finished doing a thorough clean of your teeth, they will polish your teeth. Polishing will help remove any stains from the surface of your tooth as well as any remaining plaque. It’s one of the many things the Cosmetic dentist in Clackamas does on a regular basis
The polish is a gritty substance that contains fluoride. It is applied to your teeth using a small brush or rubber cup that rotates quickly.
X-Rays
Most dentists require x-rays to be taken at least once a year. This allows them to see if any cavities are developing in or between your teeth.
X-rays are also beneficial for monitoring any fillings you may have had from previous cavities. This will ensure that they have not shifted or required any repairs. Depending on your dental history, oral exam, or frequency of developing cavities, your dentist might require x-rays to be taken more often or less frequently.
Cost of a Dental Checkup
If you are wondering how much is a dental cleaning and check-up, it depends on what type of dental insurance plan you have and how much work is required during your visit.
Most insurance plans will cover a routine dental check-up, while some might require a copay the day of your visit. If your dentist determines you need additional care during your visit, they will provide you with an estimate of the cost before starting the work.
This will allow you to determine how much of the work will be covered by your plan. It will also tell you how much you will be responsible for payment. You can apply if the extent of the work is more than you can afford.
Prevention
During your visit, your hygienist or dentist might give you some instructions to follow in-between visits at home. These are to prevent further issues and keep your visits to a minimum.
You should focus on maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth in the morning and before going to bed. You should also floss at least once a day. Your dentist might prescribe a special mouthwash to use daily to help fight any issues you are having with your gums.
Always follow your dentist’s advice between your scheduled visits. This will allow any treatments that are required and preventative maintenance time to work, and your dentist will see the progression at your next appointment. If you don’t follow through, you will only cause additional issues and set yourself back by not progressing as required.
Dental Issues
If you have any major dental issues, your dentist will be able to identify these during your exam. They will recommend any additional procedures that you might need and begin scheduling your appointments to start the process.
If the issues are more severe, you may need to see a specialist who will take over this additional care. For instance, if your teeth are crooked and you would like to have them straightened so you can improve your smile, your dentist will recommend that you see an orthodontist. An orthodontist specializes in this type of dentistry and will have the education and tools to make it happen.
Frequency of Visits
It is recommended that you get a dental visit every six months to maintain your overall dental hygiene. These routine check-ups will also help your dental team see any issues that are happening and prevent them from getting worse by recommending a treatment course.
Some of these issues, such as gum disease or cavities, can be caught in the early stages. When treated immediately, you will avoid experiencing uncomfortable pain. You will also save yourself money by avoiding frequent visits and expensive treatments.
Learn More About What to Expect at a Dental Visit Today
If you have scheduled a dental check-up, you have taken the first step towards better oral hygiene. During your visit, you will meet with the dental hygienist first, who will update your health information and take any required x-rays.
Next, they will begin cleaning your teeth by removing the hardened plaque that has gathered, cleaning your gums, and polishing your teeth. Your dentist will review your x-rays and determine if any issues need to be addressed and will also review the health of your gum line.
After your visit, you might be required to use a medicated mouthwash and continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly.
If you would like more oral health tips or information, be sure to visit our website daily!