Having regular dental appointments is important for your oral health. While most people benefit from a checkup at least twice a year, depending on your level of oral health, more frequent checkups may help control or prevent gum or tooth disease. During your appointment, you and your dentist will look at what’s healthy and explore for any areas of concern. Discovering dental health issues early during these visits can help you so that any needed treatment may be less invasive and more affordable. And with frequent regular checkups and recommendations you may be able to prevent some issues from occurring in the first place. Additionally, having regular dental appointments is important because some systemic diseases have signs that show up in the mouth – your dentist will be alert for these.
When you come in for your appointment, your hygienist and dentist will review and update your medical and dental health history. Your hygienist will then evaluate your mouth and then gently remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth. After that, your teeth will be polished and flossed to make sure every surface is clean and smooth. Many people, both adults and children, can benefit from an application of dental fluoride to strengthen the enamel to control and prevent tooth decay.
After your professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will examine all of your teeth and your gums for signs of decay, inflammation, or other dental issues. X-rays may be taken to get a detailed look at the teeth, roots and the surrounding bone. An oral cancer exam will evaluate your gums, mouth tissues, head and neck so that any suspicious changes can be detected early.
Throughout the exam, your hygienist and dentist will discuss any concerns they discover with you. You’ll have time to discuss any recommended treatment and options so that you can make a good decision for yourself and your health. Contact our office to learn more and to schedule a dental appointment in Amherst, New Hampshire.