To prevent major dental issues, and identify potential problems early, it’s a good idea to see your dentist regularly.
A routine check-up and clean every six months goes a long way in optimising your oral health. Book a check-up twice a year and save yourself money and discomfort in the long term.
Why is a dental check-up important?
Regular check-ups help to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy. Issues can be treated before they worsen, often preventing the need for expensive and invasive treatments at a later stage. Check-ups are also essential for keeping on top of your gum health — gum disease can have some serious consequences, and has, in fact, been linked to overall health. Your dentist will also check your throat, face, head and neck to check for signs of cancer or other diseases affecting these areas of the body.
What does a check-up involve?
During a dental check-up, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to check for any abnormalities, such as mouth sores, gum disease and tooth decay.
After the initial examination, dental x-rays may be taken so that your dentist can see if there are any issues below the surface of the mouth. If you are a new patient, we will take x-rays to establish a baseline of your oral health for future comparisons. If you are a regular patient, we’ll examine your mouth before deciding whether you need an x-ray. In most cases, an x-ray is recommended every two years. If you have any concerns or issues, we may recommend more regular x-rays.
The x-rays will show an image of your teeth, as well as the roots and jaw bones. By looking at the x-rays, your dentist will be able to see if there are any issues, such as fractures or bone loss. Your dentist will also check for any signs of teeth grinding, oral cancers, or problems with alignment. X-rays are very helpful in identifying problems early, before they become more severe. Early diagnosis and treatment save you time, money, and unnecessary discomfort.
The check-up will also include a professional cleaning, a process which involves scraping off any plaque and tartar that may have built up above and below the gum line. Tartar causes tooth decay and gum disease, so it is important to have it removed regularly. Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, your teeth will be polished to ensure that any remaining residue and superficial stains are eradicated, leaving the teeth smooth and clean.
What is a fluoride treatment?
We recommend that you have a fluoride treatment as part of your routine dental check-up. Every day, your teeth are attacked by acid, which undermines the structure of the teeth and causes decay. Although there is fluoride in the water that we drink, as well as some of the foods that we eat, our daily intake is not generally enough to prevent tooth decay. A fluoride treatment is helpful in reversing the effects of acid on the teeth and strengthens the structure of the teeth. Fluoride also helps teeth to become more resistant to acid in the future.
For more information on getting a check-up and clean, have a look here.
We have a special gap free check-up and clean offer for patients in and around Narellan, which includes a clean and polish; x-rays; and a fluoride treatment. For more information or to claim this offer, contact us now on 02 4648 0909.
Are you ready to come in for a check-up? Get in touch here to make an appointment.
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