It doesn’t matter how old you are, patients of any age should be visiting the dentist regularly. No matter how thorough your at-home care is, it doesn’t mean you should skip your checkups or cleanings. Dr. Neslund and Dr. Benner recommends that patients visit the dental office once every six months to maintain optimal oral health. Not only will you be able to leave with the peace of mind that your dental care regimen is complete, but you’ll also have a better understanding of your oral health overall. Contact our dental office today to get scheduled for your next appointment!
It’s important to note that checkups are not solely for catching the early signs of dental disease. While they are the most common, Dr. Neslund and Dr. Benner is fully capable of recognizing the markers for more serious conditions as well. Just a few of these conditions include:
The sooner that you notice these conditions, the faster you can get necessary treatment and prevent future complications. In the case of oral cancer, this is especially important because those who discover it late are at far higher risk of serious problems later.
During your checkup, We will closely examine all of your oral structures. These include the teeth, gums, oral tissue, tongue, palate and throat. This exam will also include your neck as cancer can easily appear in this region.
After examining these structures, We will move on to the way your bite comes together. If your bite is uneven, it can cause disproportional force on your temporomandibular joints. After the initial examination, you’ll have X-rays performed so we can confirm if any problems are present underneath your gum tissue, such as early cavity development. We’ll also evaluate the pocket depth of your gums in order to confirm if gum disease is present.
If Dr. Neslund or Dr. Benner finds any issues inside your mouth, he'll inform you of the issue and recommend a treatment that would best suit your needs.
Plaque can easily collect in deep pockets of the mouth that a typical oral care routine cannot remove. After enough time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which is a calcified form of plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional. Thankfully, our hygienists are fully trained to remove tartar without damaging your tooth enamel in the process. Once your cleaning is performed, you’ll be given a fluoride rinse to better protect your teeth throughout the rest of the day.
After the cleaning, Dr. Neslund or Dr. Benner will confirm if your current at-home care has been sufficient. If you could be doing more, they’ll teach you the best ways to practice oral care in between visits. This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have, whether it’s regarding dental care or specific products that you think would best aid your oral health.