It’s a no-brainer that regular dentist appointments are important in preventing major dental issues. Do you know what your dentist is actually looking for though? Aside from general signs of tooth decay or cavities, what else goes on during a regular visit?

There are 2 parts to your visit, the first being a checkup or exam and the second being a cleaning. During your exam, your dentist will check out your teeth and look for visual signs of tooth decay or cavities. Your dentist will also be looking for any plaque build-up or tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that if left alone, can harden and become tartar which can’t be removed with a toothbrush. Your dentist will also check your gums and look for any signs of gum disease. While examining your teeth and gums, your dentist will also be looking at your throat, tongue, and insides of your cheeks for any signs of redness or swelling.

After your dentist has finished examining your mouth visually, he’ll likely take an x-ray to determine if there’s any tooth decay in between your teeth (this typically isn’t visible in their initial exam). If there are any major issues or red flags, your dentist will discuss your options and a plan of action for how to move forward. If you’ve been taking care of your teeth in between your visits, you’re less likely to experience any major issues.

Once your initial exam and x-rays are complete, your dentist will begin an in-depth cleaning process. Brushing and flossing your teeth at home is a great way to remove plaque but these tactics don’t remove tartar. This is done with a special procedure calling “scaling”. After your dentist has removed all of the tartar from your teeth, they may polish your teeth with a gritty paste to help get rid of any major stains. Then a flossing usually follows to clean out anything that may have been left behind by the scaling or polish.

Aside from routine exams and a deep clean, regular visits are important because it helps your dentist to catch any major dental issues as early as possible. If you think you’re experiencing something out of the ordinary, don’t wait until your next regular visit. You’re always able to schedule an off-cycle appointment so we can get in front of the issue and help you navigate it. For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (425) 329-6267!