Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter

Haven’t been to the dentist in a while? What is it that keeps us from scheduling (and keeping) a dental checkup appointment? For many, we feel fine and figure if we brush regularly and are healthy people, there’s no need to go to the dentist. Others of us know that something might not be quite right, but anxiety and fear of dental procedures keep us away. And then there are those of us who just don’t have the time or energy or money to squeeze in yet another appointment.

No matter your reason for missing, whether it’s intentional or accidental, regular checkups are one of the very best things you can do for your oral health and overall well-being. First dental visit in years? Here’s what to expect and why it matters.

How long does a new patient dental exam take?

Expect your first appointment to last around an hour and 30 minutes. We like our new patients to spend ample time (about 40 minutes) with one of our dentists, Dr. Johnson or Dr. Phillips, who completes a comprehensive exam while an assistant takes all necessary x-rays and a full set of extraoral photos along with a complete set of intraoral photos. Next, you spend about an hour with one of our skilled hygienists who measures all pocket depths and educates you on your oral health.

Importance of a Regular Checkup

The first part of a checkup involves a full examination. We look for cavities, plaque, tartar, and gum disease. We check out your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck for swelling, redness, or signs of cancer. Our skilled and experienced professionals can detect miniscule indications of decay and disease that the untrained eye would normally miss. A regular checkup guarantees identifying potential problems and treating them appropriately before they’ve spiraled out of control and require more invasive procedures.

What to Do Before Dentist Appointment

Regular morning and evening brushing and evening flossing to remove plaque is critical to healthy teeth, but tartar build up cannot normally be removed at home. So, it’s your responsibility to brush and floss consistently and to attend checkups regularly to ensure tartar build up is sufficiently removed.

During dental checkups, we use special tools to more thoroughly clean and polish your teeth, removing stains and flossing areas between teeth. Professional cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy, and they are not usually painful. In fact, upon leaving our office, your smile will be fresh, confident, and bright.

Ready to schedule your next dental checkup?

Commit to maintaining a healthy smile by showing up at regular checkups. And start now by calling today to schedule that next appointment! To sweeten the deal, we provide new patients with either an electric toothbrush or a RTIC thermos tumbler. Your choice. Don’t miss out!