What Happens During a General Dentistry Dental Checkup?

Everyone should have a dental checkup at least twice a year. Ignoring these critical visits can lead to adverse effects on your oral health. If you have not seen your  Buford dentist in several years, you may not be aware of what occurs at these appointments. It is normal to have some anxiety as you prepare to go to the dentist’s office. However, if you learn more about the care and treatments your dentist will provide, you can feel more at ease.

Key reasons why everyone needs a dental checkup

Even people who take good care of their teeth should go to the general dentist twice a year. These examinations help the dentist identify possible oral health concerns such as tooth decay or gum disease. At a checkup, the dentist and hygienist will also give the patient a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. Patients can raise concerns and ask questions about their dental health. The dentist can also teach effective brushing techniques and talk about restorative treatments and preventive care.

X-rays and review

The dental checkup appointment will usually begin by the dentist reviewing the patient’s health history. This will include evaluating the person’s recent treatments or any current conditions. An assistant will then take X-rays so the dentist can get a detailed look at the teeth. X-rays will also review problems such as cavities, infections, and bone loss, among other things.

Buildup removal

Cavities and gum disease are often the result of plaque and tartar buildup. When a person eats, the food and saliva left behind can leave a sticky residue known as plaque. If this is not removed, it hardens into tartar. This introduces bacteria to the tooth, which can eat away at the enamel and get deep into the roots and pulp. At a dental checkup, the hygienist will scrape away this buildup from the gumline and in between the teeth.

Cleaning and polishing

Using an ultrasonic brush and a gritty toothpaste, the hygienist will begin to clean the patient’s teeth. This process can further remove plaque and tartar. It can also help get rid of stains and give the teeth an attractive look. The tools that the hygienist will use are more powerful than a brush a patient could use at home.

Inspection from the dentist

The final part of a dental checkup comes courtesy of the dentist. After reviewing the X-rays, the dentist talks to the patient about any concerns that showed up on the pictures. The dentist will also do an examination with the naked eye. There may even be an oral cancer screening. The dentist can answer questions and provide oral hygiene instruction.

Prepare for your next trip to the dentist’s office

Your dentist has the knowledge and training to address the biggest challenges you may face with your teeth and gums. At the same time, the dentist can handle routine processes such as a teeth cleaning at the dental examination. Replace your worries with the knowledge that these visits are an important part of your wellness. Make an appointment today.Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office.Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Buford, GA.