Dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. It’s a critical part of your oral health and are recommend every year to maintain proper, optimal health.
Regular Dental Checkups
Community Dental Group’s leading dental hygienists provide the power of teeth cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride to prevent dental disease. Our focus is on thorough dental care exams to check your teeth, gums, and overall health. At Orcutt Family Dentistry, we are equally concerned about your smile as we are about your well-being.
You can expect a typical new patient hygiene and cleaning appointment to go as follows:
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- Our front staff will welcome you with typical information gathering and answering any dental care questions you may have.
- Next, your dental hygienist will greet you in the waiting room.
- If dental X-rays or photos are required, they will be taken to understand the overall health of your mouth and accurately diagnose any dental issue.
- Then your dental hygienist will perform a teeth cleaning, polish, floss, and fluoride.
- Next, we will take a periodontal chart to write and record gingival and overall oral conditions relating to oral and periodontal (gum) health.
- Meet the doctor for an exam and discuss any areas of concern you may have or we may want to address.
- If any areas of concern are found, we consult with your insurance company or third-party payment provider to provide an estimate of costs.
- During your appointment with the doctor, please feel free to openly inquire about any dental concerns you may have.
- Schedule any needed treatment or simply your next 6-month cleaning appointment.
Expect this first appointment to take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours, so that we don’t rush you through or provide too much information too quickly for you.
What’s the difference between a dental check-up and a dental exam?
The terms are often used interchangeably. However, some people make the distinction that a hygienist handles the dental check-up, while a dentist is responsible for the dental exam because it’s more technical and requires the expertise of a dentist.
How much does a dental check-up cost?
The cost of a dental check-up depends on your dental plan and how much work is done during your visit. A routine teeth cleaning may be covered, depending on your dental plan. Your plan may also require a copay at the time of your visit.
If a dentist recommends additional dental work, they will provide you with an estimate of the cost ahead of time. Many dental procedures are partially covered by a dental plan. To minimize your dental check-up cost, make sure you check your plan documents in advance so you know what your plan covers.
What will happen if something is wrong with my teeth?
Dr. Miller will tell you right away if your dental exam reveals anything unusual. She may recommend additional procedures, or refer you to a specialist. For example, if you would like your teeth straightened, a dentist may refer you to an orthodontist, who specializes in that kind of dentistry.
How often do I need a dental check-up?
Getting a dental check-up at least once a year can help maintain the overall health of your teeth and mouth, and help identify any problems early. A build-up of tartar can cause long-term issues. To avoid any dental problems that require expensive procedures, consider getting at least one dental check-up and dental exam each year.
If you have a dental plan, make sure you know what’s covered for dental care. Dental costs vary depending on what you need done and the type of dental insurance you have. You can start taking control of costs by learning ahead of time what kind of dental procedures and treatments your plan covers.
Digital X-RAYS
Dental X-rays may be needed because they allow the Dr. Miller to see the teeth, the roots and the rest of the oral cavity from a different perspective. This is necessary to ensure that oral health is in good shape, which includes the gums, jawbone and teeth. Additionally, dental X-rays help identify problems that are deeper than the eye can see when just looking inside the mouth. If these problems are caught early on, then it is more likely that the outcome will be positive. Outlined below are a few things that X-rays can detect during a teeth cleaning appointment.
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Changes or shifting in the jawbone
- Abscesses
- Oral cancer
- Cysts
X-rays are seen as controversial by some due to the waves of energy that are released; however, the Digital X-Rays used at Community Dental Group are minimal radiation and safe. Without dental X-rays, many oral conditions can get missed, which can result in damage to the oral cavity and even the entire body.
HOW OFTEN ARE X-RAYS TAKEN?
X-rays are typically taken once a year, often combined with a dental check-up or cleaning appointment. However, if there is a concern of an oral condition, then additional X-rays may be required more than every 12 months.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
X-rays are a simple part of a teeth cleaning appointment. Individuals requiring X-rays need not feel anxious, as the process takes less than 10 minutes and does not involve any pain. A protective jacket is given to protect against the energy waves put off by the machine. The general dentistry assistant will press a few buttons, and then the process will be complete!
During your appointment, Dr. Miller will make sure that you have everything you need. Schedule your next dental exam with Community Dental Group today and take advantage of the quality patient care we provide!
