A dental checkup involves checking your gums and teeth to look for potential issues. Knowing what procedures to expect can help make the process easier for you. You might want to get an exam every six months. But if you have specific issues, you might need a more detailed exam. Keep reading to learn what you should expect.
Many children and adults need to have an exam every six months or so. If the gums are bleeding or swollen, the patient might have gum disease. The dentist might need to see the patient more often in that case. In some cases, an adult with the condition might need to go to the dentist several times each year. That prevents the disease from worsening.
Usually, the dentist will start by cleaning the teeth and perhaps doing X-rays. The cleaning involves removing the plaque and tartar using specific dental tools. That gets rid of the bacteria in the mouth and stops it from building up. Next, the patient has the teeth flossed and gently brushed.
First, the patient will have a lead apron placed over the chest to protect it. In some cases, the patient gets another covering for the neck to protect the thyroid from the radiation. Next, the patient will bite down on some plastic. The dentist places the scanner on the outside of the mouth and takes the picture. Often, the dentist is in a protective area.
Some X-rays require repeating the process a few times. The patient might bite down in several areas of the mouth. There are a few kinds of X-rays. For instance, a full-mouth set involves checking the health of the entire mouth. Other types might get taken on each side of the mouth.
At the dental checkup, the dentist looks over the X-rays to see if there are issues such as cavities. Next, it is time to check the gums and teeth to see if these are healthy. The dentist might look over the bite, which includes how the bottom and top teeth fit with each other. If there is an issue with the bite, the patient might need to have that addressed.
The dentist will also look for signs of oral cancer. That might include looking over the inside of the mouth. It might involve feeling the jaw and inspecting the roof of the mouth as well. For a dental checkup for a child, the dentist might see if the teeth are developing correctly. Early orthodontic treatment might be necessary.
If you have not been to the dentist in a while, it is the right time to make an appointment. The dentist can determine how often you need to go back after the initial time. Knowing what to expect can help make the process easier for you. Making an appointment today is the first step toward a healthier smile.
Request an appointment here: https://www.bakersfielddentistry.net or call Premier Family Dentistry at (661) 238-1197 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Bakersfield, CA.
Preventive dentistry can protect your teeth and gums. Its main goal is to keep dental problems away. It also aims to detect any oral issue early to prevent it from worsening. Preventive dentistry clinics have different ways to help keep your dental health in top condition. If you want to know how preventive dentistry can…
Preventative dentistry is a branch that focuses primarily on keeping dental issues at bay. Preventing dental issues is cheaper than treating them, and you do not have to deal with the pain and discomfort that comes with oral problems when you stop them from developing in the first place.Preventive dentistry starts with educating patients about…
Curious about the importance of routine dental care? When it comes time for an annual checkup, the process can be quite troublesome and alarming for some people. Allowing for early detection by going to routine dental care checkups will keep your oral health on track. A checkup will show if a cavity needs attention, and…
A professional teeth cleaning from a general dentist is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good oral health. Many individuals are under the impression that oral hygiene at home is enough to maintain good oral health, but that is a common misconception. Visiting a general dentist on a regular basis is necessary.Outlined below…
General dentists state that bruxism is a condition that involves the grinding of the top and bottom arches of teeth. The act often happens at night while a person is asleep, making it involuntary. However, some individuals are also known to grind their teeth during the day as well. Although teeth grinding does not sound too…
Getting dental bonding can be a good way to improve your smile. It can be hard to know the right time to get it, however. The right way to determine if you are a candidate for it is to have an appointment with your dentist. Keep reading to find out more about a few cosmetic…