What to Expect at Your Routine Dental Check-Up and Clean

Most people are a little bit afraid of anything unknown. This is especially true in the case of professional dental care. Dental care can be scary because some procedures can be painful or might cost quite a lot out of pocket.

The best way to overcome your fear of dentists or unknown treatments is by learning more about what to expect during your appointment. In this guide, we are going to take a look at what to expect from two of the most frequently needed oral care treatments, namely dental check-ups and teeth cleaning. 

Why Routine Dental Check-Ups and Cleaning are Important

It is important to visit your dentist regularly so you can get your teeth checked out and properly cleaned. 

Dental checkups are important for catching problems like cavities, gum disease, cracked fillings, or even oral cancer early on. With early intervention, diseases can be treated before they affect your teeth and cavities or other dental flaws can be stopped before the tooth is affected. 

Teeth cleaning is also important because it helps prevent gum disease, reduces the risk of cavities, can improve breath, and these treatments can also help clear away some of the stains on your teeth so they will look better. 

What To Expect When Visiting the Dentist for a Check-up

Most dentists in Newtown have a pretty standard approach when it comes to check-ups. These check-ups are usually pretty quick. Here’s what to expect.

Booking

Dentists are usually booked pretty full. The best way to secure a spot is by calling early on to book an appointment. 

A Warm Welcome With Paperwork Processing

When you arrive, you will receive a warm welcome from the receptionist. New visitors might need to fill out some paperwork or open a file with the dentistry office. You will need to provide information like personal details about yourself, identification, and some medical information. This information is helpful for understanding health issues that could affect your oral care.

Returning patients often don’t have to fill out any paperwork and can simply confirm that all details are still accurate. 

Dental Examination

Your dental appointment will always include a thorough dental examination. During this examination, the teeth and gums will be checked for decay, damage, or signs of disease. Old fillings or dental work will be examined to see if they are still in good condition. The dentist will also take a look at the soft tissue inside your mouth and look for signs of cancer or infections. In most cases, your bite and jaw alignment will also be checked.

X-Rays (if required)

Some dentistry offices do require X-rays as a standard healthcare step. This can be especially important for new patients. X-rays are also requested when the dentist notices cavities between teeth, detects some bone loss, or wants to thoroughly inspect the teeth and their roots.

These X-rays will give the dentist a much better idea of the teeth’s positioning, health, and strength and can help identify cavities between teeth so they can be properly restored.

Minor Dental Work

Dentists will perform some minor dental repairs they notice during this appointment. However, for some extensive dental treatments, you might have to reschedule a second appointment, especially if the treatment takes a long time or requires some healing in between treatments. 

How Often Should Dental Check-ups be done?

It is best to visit your dentist every year for a checkup or to book an appointment every year if you are 45 and older. 

What To Expect When Visiting the Dentist for Teeth Cleaning

If you are visiting a dentist just to get your teeth cleaned, then you will need to start by booking an appointment with an oral hygienist. Dental cleaning is a four-step process that looks like this:

Scaling

Tartar and plaque buildup are removed from the teeth and gumlines.

Polishing

The teeth are smoothed, and stains are removed.

Flossing 

Deep flossing is done to remove plaque and other contaminants between the teeth.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments are optional, but can be great for strengthening your tooth enamel. 

How Often Should Teeth Cleaning be Done?

It is best to book a teeth cleaning once every six months. If you do experience a lot of tartar buildup, then it can be good to get your teeth cleaned every 3 – 4 months. 

Book Now at The Best Dentists in Newtown

At Blue Tooth Dental, we offer a huge variety of oral healthcare services, and we can do a proper check-up to ensure that your teeth are still in great condition. Our dentists or oral hygienists are also excellent at teeth cleaning services and can help you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.

Book now at Blue Tooth Dental for a quick check-up or professional teeth cleaning in Newtown.