Maybe you’ve moved to a new town and haven’t gotten around to it. Maybe things have been crazy at work. We know life can get in the way of visiting your dentist every six months. If you haven’t gone to the dentist in months or even years, there’s no time like the present to book your next appointment. Here are a few things you can expect from your return to the dentist’s chair.
Your appointment may take a bit longer than usual.
If you can’t remember the last time you visited your dentist, you’re likely in need of a thorough professional teeth cleaning. Even if you have a perfect brushing routine, you still may not be entirely in the clear. Sometimes, plaque gets stuck in hard-to-reach places that you might be missing. Over time, this plaque turns to tartar—a calcified substance that builds up along your gum line. Although brushing and flossing are great for getting rid of plaque, they’re no match for the tartar that may have accumulated on your teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist will need to use special professional tools to get rid of it. Therefore, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, your professional cleaning may take a bit longer than usual to leave your teeth completely clean and tartar-free.
They may uncover a cavity or two.
Unfortunately, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a few years, there is a possibility that you may have developed cavities. Cavities are holes in the dental enamel that occur as a result of bacteria build-up and tooth decay. It is important that you don’t ignore a cavity for long, as they can cause pain and sensitivity, particularly when eating, and often worsen over time. During your appointment, your dentist will check each of your teeth for cavities. If they find any, you may need to go back to the office for a follow-up appointment to have them filled.
Your dentist will need to update your x-rays.
Routine visits to your dentist are critical for the prevention of conditions like gum disease and oral cancer. Therefore, during your appointment, you can expect your dentist to perform a variety of routine screenings. Your dentist will also recommend that you sit for a series of x-rays, which help to detect very serious oral health issues, including oral cancer, tooth decay, or even bone degeneration. If you’re visiting a new dentist, be sure to have your old dentist’s office send a copy of your previous x-rays or bring a copy with you if possible. By doing so, this will allow your new dentist to get caught up on your oral health history and check in with the health of your teeth, jaw, and bite.
Your dentist will reeducate you on some important oral health skills.
Your dentist wants your mouth to be healthy long after your visit. This is why your dentist will give you all the information you need to maintain and protect your oral health. They’ll discuss ways you can improve your dental hygiene routine and the benefits of having more regular visits to your dentist’s office. By the time your appointment is over, you’ll leave with cleaner teeth, a brighter smile, and a clear path to better oral health.
Are you ready to schedule your next dentist appointment? Why not get it out of the way right now? Call Valley Dental Care of Plainfield today to plan your visit.