Dental Hygiene and Exams in DeLand
More than likely, your last visit to our office was for a routine checkup. Why are routine dental examinations so important? Because preventive care enables us to identify and treat tooth decay, gum disease and soft tissue disease in its earliest stages, which is better for you, in terms of treatment options and saving you money!
We wanted to share with you what a delightful experience it was to have the hygienist clean our teeth…it was probably the most thorough, efficient cleaning we have ever had. She shared with us more helpful information than we had ever experienced with all of our previous dentists over the years.
Jeanette B.
If it’s been awhile since your last check up, please give us a call to schedule your routine cleaning and exam and to stay on top of any tooth decay.
Here’s an example that compares routine car maintenance to routine dental care and why it’s so important!
Your automobile manufacturer recommends that you have your engine oil changed every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. Let’s say you wait until it’s now 10,000 miles between oil changes. What might the consequences be?
Well… you’ll put additional wear and tear on your car for sure. Your oil will get dirtier and dirtier causing a build up of sludge in your engine. If you do that too often, the engine parts could wear prematurely and replacing them or getting a new transmission is very costly, compared to the price of an oil change.
Well… the same can be said for your teeth – if you let routine dental care slide, say for a year or more, you could wind up needing more costly and more serious “repairs” than would have been necessary had you stayed on schedule! So call us to make an appointment, especially if it’s been awhile since we’ve seen you!
A routine dental examination usually begins with a review of your medical history & a blood pressure screening. This helps us monitor any changes that have occurred & provides a snapshot of your overall health.
We then proceed with a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums to remove plaque build up, tartar and stains. Having your teeth cleaned regularly helps to prevent periodontal (gum) disease that can cause major dental problems, including loss of teeth, if left undetected and untreated.
Next, we do a thorough soft tissue examination, using visual, finger & a special light inspection using Velscope technology to detect changes in the soft tissue lining on the inside of your mouth. Any changes might confirm the presence of a benign, pre-cancerous or cancerous condition that could require immediate attention.
We also perform a periodontal screening to check your gums for any sign of gum disease. It is important to detect gum disease in its earliest stages to achieve the best results, especially if further treatment is necessary.
Routine dental exams also include a visual inspection of each tooth surface to identify new areas of decay and to check teeth that may have had prior restorations.
X-rays may be needed to check the side surfaces of your teeth, the area beneath the gums and other areas that are not clearly visible. X-ray frequency is scheduled on an individual basis and not at every visit.
How Often Should I Come in for Routine Care?
This is one of those questions that really depends upon your health history and the doctor’s recommendations. While some people come in for a cleaning and examination like clockwork, say every six months or so, others may wait up to a year between visits.
There are some reasons that warrant a more aggressive routine dental appointment schedule. More frequent visits are usually advised when patients have an increased risk for oral disease based on age, pregnancy, heavy alcohol and/or tobacco usage, the presence of gum disease, or pre-existing health conditions (e.g., diabetes, frequent dry mouth or a compromised immune system).
An open and frank discussion with the doctor or your hygienist can help you determine how often you should schedule routine cleanings and examinations. Give us a call today.
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