Categories: Dental Checkup

What Procedures Are Done at a Dental Checkup?

A dental checkup involves checking your gums and teeth to look for potential issues. Knowing what procedures to expect can help make the process easier for you. You might want to get an exam every six months. But if you have specific issues, you might need a more detailed exam. Keep reading to learn what you should expect.

The importance of getting regular exams

Many children and adults need to have an exam every six months or so. If the gums are bleeding or swollen, the patient might have gum disease. The dentist might need to see the patient more often in that case. In some cases, an adult with the condition might need to go to the dentist several times each year. That prevents the disease from worsening.

What to expect during an exam

Usually, the dentist will start by cleaning the teeth and perhaps doing X-rays. The cleaning involves removing the plaque and tartar using specific dental tools. That gets rid of the bacteria in the mouth and stops it from building up. Next, the patient has the teeth flossed and gently brushed.

Getting the X-ray

First, the patient will have a lead apron placed over the chest to protect it. In some cases, the patient gets another covering for the neck to protect the thyroid from the radiation. Next, the patient will bite down on some plastic. The dentist places the scanner on the outside of the mouth and takes the picture. Often, the dentist is in a protective area.

Some X-rays require repeating the process a few times. The patient might bite down in several areas of the mouth. There are a few kinds of X-rays. For instance, a full-mouth set involves checking the health of the entire mouth. Other types might get taken on each side of the mouth.

Examining the mouth

At the dental checkup, the dentist looks over the X-rays to see if there are issues such as cavities. Next, it is time to check the gums and teeth to see if these are healthy. The dentist might look over the bite, which includes how the bottom and top teeth fit with each other. If there is an issue with the bite, the patient might need to have that addressed.

The dentist will also look for signs of oral cancer. That might include looking over the inside of the mouth. It might involve feeling the jaw and inspecting the roof of the mouth as well. For a dental checkup for a child, the dentist might see if the teeth are developing correctly. Early orthodontic treatment might be necessary.

Choose the right dental checkup today

If you have not been to the dentist in a while, it is the right time to make an appointment. The dentist can determine how often you need to go back after the initial time. Knowing what to expect can help make the process easier for you. Making an appointment today is the first step toward a healthier smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southlakedentalcare.com or call SouthLake Dental Care at (904) 512-3054 for an appointment in our Middleburg office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Middleburg, FL.

Recent Posts

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are stable structures that can replace missing teeth. They consist of durable, biocompatible materials. Knowing why these restorations last for a long time can motivate you to invest in your dental health. Here are the details on how long dental implants can serve you.Dental implants fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. The…

Securely Replace Teeth With Dental Implants

Dental implants are more secure than removable dentures. These restorations can make smiling, speaking, and eating more stable. Embarrassment and awkwardness will be non-existent once these restorations are in place. Here are the details on how dental implants can serve as solid dental replacements.Osseointegration is the process behind the strength and stability of dental implants.…

Get Dental Implants From An Experienced Implant Dentist

There are benefits to choosing an experienced implant dentist over one who is relatively new in the profession. Dental implants require a more complex process that involves several steps, and choosing the right implant dentist may help make the process more convenient, less invasive, and safer.It is helpful to learn more about dental implants, how…

Dental Implants: A Permanent Alternative To Dentures

Dental implants restore functionality to the smile, all while looking and feeling like natural teeth. They achieve this by fusing with the jawbone, creating a permanent, irremovable tooth replacement solution that does not slip or slide. This benefit makes them a great option for patients seeking an alternative to traditional dentures.Dental implants are metal screw-like…

SouthLake Dental Care

Share
Published by
SouthLake Dental Care

Recent Posts

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are stable structures that can replace missing teeth. They consist of durable, biocompatible…

1 day ago

Securely Replace Teeth with Dental Implants

Dental implants are more secure than removable dentures. These restorations can make smiling, speaking, and…

1 week ago

Get Dental Implants from an Experienced Implant Dentist

Dental implants require a more complex process that involves several steps, and choosing the right…

2 weeks ago

Dental Implants: A Permanent Alternative to Dentures

Dental implants restore functionality to the smile, all while looking and feeling like natural teeth.…

2 weeks ago

A General Dentist Explains the Process of Getting Dental Implants

You can do research on dental implants on your own, but getting the facts from…

3 weeks ago

The Potential Risks of Getting Dental Implants

For many individuals with missing teeth, dental implants are an effective way to restore the…

1 month ago