How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
Dental professionals recommend that individuals with healthy teeth and gums visit the dentist every six months. However, more frequent dental visits may be necessary if a patient has periodontal (gum) disease or is at a higher risk of developing dental problems. The American Dental Association recommends working closely with your dentist to determine whether you have risk factors that warrant more frequent dental visits.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings?
Regular dental exams and cleanings are an essential component of preventive dental care and are critical to the upkeep of your oral health. They allow us to identify oral health problems as they develop, avoiding the need for extensive and costly dental procedures down the road. Moreover, having your teeth cleaned routinely lowers the risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and bad breath.
What to Expect During Your Dental Exam
Here's a look at what you may expect during your routine dental exam:
History Review: We will start by taking your medical and dental history. We will ask you about any current and previous health conditions, medications, or oral health concerns. This is an important step since there are multiple health conditions and medications that affect the oral cavity and your teeth. Knowing your medical history can help our doctors develop a customized dental plan designed for you.
Digital X-Rays: We will take digital x-rays to see what's happening below the surfaces of your teeth and gums. X-rays uncover dental health concerns not visible to the naked eye, including decay between the teeth and under the gum tissue, bone loss, cysts, tumors, and more.
Periodontal Exam: The first step in establishing a healthy smile is ensuring a strong foundation for the teeth. We will evaluate your supporting gum and bone health for periodontal disease, which, if not treated, can lead to bone loss and early loss of teeth. The condition continues to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Tooth by Tooth Exam: We will examine each of your teeth and evaluate the condition of your tooth enamel. We'll also look at existing restorations to uncover any signs of damage.
Bite Analysis: We will examine your bite (occlusion) to determine whether there are any concerns. A poor bite can result in excessive tooth wear, loose teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Oral Cancer Screening: The potentially life-saving screening involves an examination of the soft tissues in the oral cavity and surrounding muscles to rule out any abnormalities. Detecting oral cancer in its early stages offers the best chance for successful treatment outcomes.
Smile Evaluation: We will evaluate your smile's aesthetics and may recommend cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, dental veneers, tooth replacements, or orthodontic treatment to deliver a beautiful and healthy smile.
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning?
Our dental hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar deposits and give your teeth and gums a thorough cleaning. Traditionally, this is done through scaling, flossing, and polishing.
At Blue Bridge Dental, we also offer Air-Flow Tooth Polishing. The advanced biofilm management system applies a high-powered combination of air, water, and specially formulated powders to eliminate stains and dental plaque. As there is no direct contact, Air-Flow Therapy is gentler on the tooth surfaces and does not cause sensitivity. It delivers immediate results, with brighter teeth and fresher breath after a single visit!
We may recommend a fluoride treatment after your dental cleaning to strengthen your tooth enamel and lower your risk of future decay. We may also discuss oral hygiene care at home to ensure your smile stays healthy between visits.
What Happens After Your Exam and Dental Cleaning?
We will share our findings with you and discuss the next steps needed to improve or maintain your oral health. We will work alongside you to create a personalized treatment plan with any immediate needs or recommended preventive measures. We may also recommend cosmetic dentistry solutions to enhance the appearance of your smile.
Preventive Dentistry Near Me in Allendale, MI
At Blue Bridge Dental, we believe in prevention rather than treating dental problems after they develop. We're pleased to offer state-of-the-art preventive care for long-term healthy smiles. We invite you to call us at 616-217-3992 to schedule your dental exam and cleaning or request an appointment online today!