What to Expect in a Typical Dental Checkup
Not all dentists operate the same way, but a typical dental checkup involves:
Cleaning and Polishing
The first thing is cleaning and polishing. Here, the dentist will use a hand scaler to scrape and remove the tartar from your teeth and then polish your teeth using a rotating rubber cup or brush to remove any leftover plaque or stains.
Comprehensive/Periodical Examination
This is done to look for any alterations or early indications of an issue, such as a cavity, gum disease, or oral cancer.
A comprehensive examination involves the dentist thoroughly inspecting your mouth, head, and neck. At the conclusion, the dentist talks with you about your medical history and instructs you on the proper care to take for your oral health.
X-ray
The dentist may choose to capture X-rays of your teeth as part of the examination to look for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental issues.
Additionally, he or she may use an explorer instrument to check for cavities in your teeth, probe further to measure the space between your teeth and gums, and use a mouth mirror to see your teeth's sides and back more clearly.
Your dentist may suggest additional treatment or send you to another expert, such as an orthodontist or periodontist if it is found that you have any visible issues.
Discussion/Education
After the examination, your dentist will discuss with you any dental hygiene problems he or she has detected and if necessary, educate you on how to brush and floss more effectively.
How to Get the Best Dental Checkup
To get the most out of your dental checkup, always ensure to do the following:
- Communicate promptly, any concerns or problems you are having with your dentist. Quickly report any problems or changes you've noticed with your teeth, gums, or the inside of your mouth - the earlier the dentist knows about this, the earlier he or she can diagnose and treat it.
- Inform your dentist of any new health problems you have been diagnosed with since your last visit e.g. diabetes, heart-related disease, etc.
- Take with you to the checkup list of all medications and supplements you take, including their dosages for the dentist to review them.
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