General dentists typically recommend regular dental visits to keep the mouth healthy. Many people do not know that oral health also affects general wellbeing. Patients should understand the importance of regular visits and what happens during a dental appointment.
The American Dental Association recommends visiting general dentists every six months for dental checkups and cleanings. But it also notes that the frequency of the visits for maintaining optimal oral health can be determined by the dentist. This means that although the general rule for the biannual visits is valid, additional visits may be required depending on the condition of the patient’s oral health.
Patients should never neglect or underestimate the importance of regular visits. With regular appointments, there is a lower risk of being diagnosed with oral issues like cavities or gum disease. It is always better to detect and treat dental issues early because it is easier and saves the patient from needless expenses and pain.
A routine visit to the general dentist usually includes the following processes.
Oral examination: The dentist will examine the oral cavity. They will ask about any change in general wellbeing or medicine use, check for signs of oral conditions like gum disease and oral cancer, make a diagnosis and recommend proper treatment.
Professional cleaning: Patients can remove plaque at home by brushing and flossing, but only professional cleaning done by the dentist or dental hygienist can properly clean the teeth and eliminate hardened plaque (known as tartar or calculus) that may have accumulated on the teeth. The dentist uses a series of handheld dental tools to clean the teeth. Some general dentists use ultrasonic scalers for deep cleaning above and below the gum line.
Polishing: After cleaning the patient’s teeth, the dentist will polish them to remove plaque and stains on the tooth surface. With a small rotating rubber cup or brush fixed to a dental hand tool, the dentist will apply the polish (containing an abrasive material and fluoride) to the teeth to restore their shine.
Preventive treatment: The dentist may provide additional guidelines to follow at home, depending on the outcome of the dental examination. Patients should ask for tips on proper brushing or flossing at home, as well as any questions they have about their teeth and gums.
X-rays: X-ray scans are optional during a recommended dental appointment. The dentist will take note of the patient’s dental history, past oral exams and risk of oral diseases to decide how often they need an X-ray.
Treatment recommendations: If the dentist finds any oral health issue during the examination, they will make suggestions for the next steps to take. This may mean additional diagnostic exams or scheduling another appointment for a dental restoration like fillings or crowns.
Regular visits to general dentists are an important part of any oral care routine. Contact the dental office to book an appointment for a consultation.
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