Why do I need a regular dental checkup?
A regular dental checkup is necessary because a cavity can start in less than two days. If we diagnose and catch things when they're very small, treatment is generally more conservative, which means it's faster, more efficient, and less expensive. We can be more conservative with your teeth and your pocketbook. Regular visits are also crucial for the same reason that we would go to a medical doctor. There can be pathologies in the mouth, diseases starting to take place, or even cancers. We do regular cancer screenings and regular screenings for any other oral conditions that you may or may not be aware of. It's always best to find these things sooner rather than later.
How often should I get a regular dental checkup?
We recommend getting a regular checkup every six months. The reason is that a cavity can start in just two days. So, if we see you every six months, we are generally going to catch anything that's happening in your mouth really fast and before it gets out of control. This approach allows us to be very conservative and treat it much more efficiently and faster. Plus, it helps you keep your teeth longer. People with teeth live an average of eight years longer. If there are any new diseases or conditions, we can screen you for them. If we see you every six months, we can stay on top of these things and catch them very early. Sometimes we may recommend more frequent visits if your oral condition would benefit from that. In such a case, we would explain why we're recommending more frequent visits than every six months.
What is included with a dental checkup?
A dental checkup generally includes taking the necessary x-rays to see what's going on with your teeth, an exam, and a cleaning. We take x-rays because we can't see between or into the middle of the teeth. We take these about every year and also take an x-ray that goes around your head every three years for joint conditions and cancer screening. If you have healthy gums and bone, a cleaning is typically done every six months to remove calculus, which is hardened plaque with bacteria in it. A toothbrush, toothpick, or floss won't remove this. We have to use our instruments to get that off for you. Lastly, we perform an exam where we do cancer screening, evaluate the x-rays to see if there's any decay on the teeth or infections in the bone, and look for any gum disease or calculus buildup. We also talk about the conditions we find and discuss solutions for you to get healthy.
What is the dentist looking for during a dental checkup?
During a dental checkup, we look for cancer using our x-rays and special lights. We also look for any decay or fractures in teeth that may not be visible with the naked eye, and any dental conditions indicating that teeth or fillings in the mouth are wearing out. We ensure that your bite, how your teeth line up and come together, isn't causing premature failure of your teeth. Any cosmetic concerns are also considered. Our goal is to ensure everything is solid and healthy.
How long does a dental checkup take?
Your first visit to our office would take approximately an hour and a half or less. However, if it's been a while since your last dentist visit and you have a lot going on, it could take a bit longer. The actual duration depends on the patient.
Do dental checkups hurt?
No, dental checkups shouldn't hurt. If a patient comes in with sensitive or painful teeth, we can usually figure out what's going on without causing any pain. If we have to touch the tooth, we can do it very gently to ensure it doesn't hurt or is very tolerable.
What's the best way to schedule a dental checkup?
The best way to schedule a dental checkup is to give us a call at (423) 592-7676 or visit our website at https://www.marksdilldds.com. If you have any other questions, please give us a call. You can reach us at (423) 592-7676.