How Important Are Routine Dental Check-Ups?

Priorities confirm how important something is. If that’s true regarding your oral health then it would make sense that dental check-ups are a worthwhile priority.

Prioritizing your oral health starts with understanding the difference between a routine dental check-up and dental treatment, why a dental check-up is important, and and what happens during a dental check-up.

The answers to these fundamental questions about dental check-ups can help establish them as a priority for you and your family.

What’s the difference between dental treatment and a routine dental check-up?

An examination is the common-ground between each. Your dental check-ups focus on a thorough oral examination by your dentist and could involve a professional teeth cleaning by a registered dental hygienist.

Dental check-ups give your providers an amount of information that’s vital to the health of your teeth and gums.

• Observing areas of concern or problems with your teeth, gums, and mouth.
• Removing harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth and around your gum tissue.
• Taking x-rays (when necessary) for an in-depth view of your teeth, gum, and mouth health.
• Recommending treatment to correct any observed problems with your teeth and gums.

Routine is keyword associated with dental check-ups. It’s common and recommended that you have a dental check-up every six months or a minimum of two times per year.

On the other hand, dental treatment, is scheduled when needed. Some procedures are one-and-done. Others could require multiple appointments depending on the treatment plan created by your dentist.

Dental treatment could involve a variety of procedures.

• Treating a cavity with a dental filling
• Restoring a damaged, decayed, or missing tooth with a dental implant.
• Improving the health your gums with a deep cleaning.
• Removing your wisdom teeth to preserve the health of your adjoining teeth.
• Saving your tooth from an extraction with a root canal.

These are a few common dental treatments you might require throughout your life. Keep in mind that prioritizing your dental check-ups can help reduce the amount of dental treatment you require.

And that leads to another question about dental check-ups.

Why is a dental check-up important to your oral health?

Think of it like the phrase - “no one goes looking for trouble…instead trouble might find you.” A dental check-up isn’t always about looking for “problems” but if one or more are discovered you can stay ahead them with a diagnosis and treatment.

A dental check-up provides your dentist the opportunity to confirm the health of your teeth and gums. The routine appointment provides vital information that can help prevent any untreated issues from worsening.

• Reduce your risk of cavities
• Help avoid tooth loss
• Lower your risk of gum disease

Routine dental check-ups have a major role in preserving your oral health and helping maintain the essential connection between your oral health and your overall health.

What happens during a routine dental check-up?

Your expectations could be skewed by fear about a dental visit or because of what’s unknown about them. A dental check-up can cause some anxiety so it helps to know what to expect.

The fundamentals of a dental check-up by a licensed dentist will typically include the following:

• A thorough check of your teeth, gums, and mouth - including an oral cancer screening and x-rays (if necessary).
• When associated with a teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth, polish your teeth, and floss between your teeth.
• An opportunity to ask questions about any issues you’ve experienced with your teeth since your previous check-up and provide any lifestyle information relative to your oral health.
• Collaborate with your dentist and/or hygienist about how you can improve your oral health.
• Receive your dentist’s treatment recommendations if any dental issues are discovered during your examination.

Awareness matters. And among the best ways to stay aware concerning your oral health is prioritizing dental check-ups.

• Every six months or a minimum of two times per year.
• Establishing a relationship with a licensed dentist and a registered dental hygienist.
• Following through on your dentist’s diagnosis and recommended treatment.

Consider virtual dentistry as a convenient option for your routine dental check-ups. An online dentist can provide an initial first step towards making them a priority and getting the treatment you need to maintain your oral health.

Schedule your next dental check-up with an online dentist on a dedicated virtual dentistry platform

The Dental.com team of dental professionals are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat any dental condition. From toothaches to second opinions - you’re covered!

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• Select a reason for your visit using a brief questionnaire.
• Receive virtual dental care from a licensed dentist when you provide your issue details, any photos, and/or dental/health records.

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