Dental Checkup, Glendale AZ
If a patient is having a dental checkup for the first time, or if they have not been to the dentist in a while, they often wonder what a dental checkup is. During this routine appointment, a dental professional will check the smile, teeth, and gums for infection, decay, and disease, such as cavities or periodontitis (gum disease).
At some point during the checkup, they will also be given guidance on home care. This allows them to keep their smile in the best shape possible between checkups. Scheduling your checkup is as easy as calling our Singh Smile Care - Dentist Glendale, AZ team at (623) 400-6009
Dental Cleaning
During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque — a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth. The dental professional will scrape the teeth above and below the gum line with special tools to do this. The teeth may be rinsed periodically during this process. Then, the dental professional will floss between the teeth. If the patient does not floss regularly, they may find this a little uncomfortable, but if they include flossing as part of their daily oral care practice, this discomfort will go away over time.
At the end of the dental cleaning, the dental professional will polish the teeth. This polishing helps protect the teeth against the buildup of plaque so they stay shiny and smoother longer. The polish is applied with a spinning brush and a paste. This paste resembles toothpaste but is slightly coarse so it can better eliminate any residue that might have been missed. When the dental professional is done cleaning the teeth, the patient may be asked to rinse and gargle with mouthwash.
During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque — a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth.
Dental Examination
The dentist will speak to the patient about their dental history. They may ask the patient about medications and illnesses or whether they have any allergies, concerns, or anxieties. Always be honest with our dental team so they can provide the best care possible.
The dental professional will check the teeth for any signs of concern using a small mirror around the mouth. During this examination, they will look for swelling, sores, cuts or lesions, gum recession, and tooth decay. One of the most important things they will look for is spaces between the gums and teeth called dental pockets. Dental pockets pose a health risk and may indicate gum disease. The dental professional may recommend home care and monitoring to protect the smile.
Always be honest with our dental team so they can provide the best care possible.
Dental X-rays
New patients and those who have not had them done in a while will be asked to have dental X-rays taken of their mouth at their dental checkup. These X-rays are important because they allow dentists to check the roots beneath the gum line, which are otherwise inaccessible. The patient will bite down on a piece of plastic between their teeth for the X-rays. A machine will be placed near their cheek to take the image. Their dentist will then review the image to check for any dental concerns.
These X-rays are important for your dental team to be able to check the roots beneath your gum line, which could otherwise not be seen during a routine checkup.
The Importance of Regular Dental Care
Our dental team recommends that all patients return to the office for dental checkups at least once every six months. Our dental team can monitor the smile for any signs of concern by scheduling regular appointments and cleanings. Waiting too long between checkups gives more time for plaque to build up, which may lead to cavities, tooth decay, receding gums, and more. Patients will also be taught how to prevent these issues during checkups.
Keeping oral health on track starts at home. Our dental team may make several recommendations for at-home oral care to prevent oral health issues between dental checkups. These oral hygiene techniques may include:
- Brushing the teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Using a mouthwash
- Avoid smoking or other activities detrimental to oral health
To prevent oral health issues between dental checkups, our dental team may make several recommendations for at-home oral care.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is involved in the dental cleaning portion of a checkup?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental Terminology
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
Call Us Today
Dental services can vary, and each practice has its approach to technology and patient care. Every general dentist can offer routine checkups and cleanings. If you need specialized care, look for a practice that offers specialized services and advanced techniques. If you are searching for a new dental provider, let Singh Smile Care - Dentist Glendale, AZ deliver the care you need. Call us at (623) 400-6009 to learn more about our services and policies.
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