YOUR DENTIST IN ALTAMONTE SPRINGS SAYS THIS HAPPENS AT DENTAL VISITS

A dental visit includes thorough teeth cleaning, during which one of our skilled hygienists will polish your teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup. Afterward, one of our dentists will assess your teeth for signs of decay, damage, and disease. If any issues are discovered, your dentist will discuss your treatment options with you and help you make the best decision for your long-term oral health.

• Preparing the room for your visit

During your dental appointment, your dentist or hygienist may prepare your treatment room based on your unique oral needs. Whether you or a loved one needs periodontal cleanings, tooth extractions, or other treatments, a professional provider can walk you through what to expect during your procedure.

Here is what happens during your dental visit.

• Cleaning and polishing your teeth

Your dentist or dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any tartar buildup from food particles that stick around after you eat. They’ll polish your teeth to a smooth, clean finish. This helps remove any remaining plaque or stains on your teeth to keep them white and bright.

A dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaling device to scrape away plaque and tartar from the teeth’s root surfaces. This instrument uses high-frequency vibrations to loosen and remove deposits. It’s more effective than manual scraping because it’s quicker, and the vibrations help break down large pieces of tartar.

Once all that’s removed, your hygienist may floss between each tooth to remove any lingering debris before finishing with a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel. Then the dentist will come in to examine your teeth and look for any signs of cavities or other issues that need attention. Based on the exam results, they’ll recommend a treatment plan to help you keep your mouth healthy.

• Consultation and examination

The next thing your dentist will do is perform an oral examination. This will involve checking the teeth and gums for signs of decay or infection, evaluating the current hygiene routine, checking the health of the gum tissue, and taking X-rays of the teeth and jaw. The dentist will also evaluate the overall health of the patient’s mouth and may discuss specific concerns such as tooth sensitivity or dry mouth. The dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, throat, lips, and other oral tissues to check for any signs of damage or disease. He or she will also conduct an oral cancer screening to look for symptoms of cancer in the mouth and take any necessary measurements, like periodontal pocket depth. Finally, the dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor gum health, take X-rays, or perform another exam during the same visit. Once these evaluations have been completed, the dentist will discuss any findings with the patient, so he or she understands the next steps in treatment.

• X rays

Dental x-rays are images that allow the dentist to see what’s going on below the surface of the teeth. They’re done during every routine checkup, and they provide valuable information about the health of the teeth and jaw. An x-ray can reveal cavities between the teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, bone loss in the jaw, abscesses, or cysts. The dentist will then recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

Without this information, you may be unaware of problems with your teeth until they’re quite advanced. And those problems may require more invasive procedures than they would have been with early detection. In short, investing in regular checkups is a preventative measure that ensures your oral health will continue to thrive over time.

Bottomline

Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist helps you stay on top of your oral health and avoid potential problems down the road. It also gives you a chance to ask any questions you might have about your oral health. Going to the dentist every six months helps keep the mouth clean and healthy so you can have a healthy smile for life!

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, schedule your next appointment today to talk about your oral care needs and concerns.