Why do you need a regular dental checkup?
Many people wonder why they have to go to the dentist twice a year or more often. And why do they need a regular dental checkup? A regular dental checkup is designed for us dentists to take a look in your mouth to see if we notice any problems starting to form or if some problems already exist. We want to catch those as soon as possible, basically for two reasons. One, to minimize your expenses. And two, to fix the problem more quickly.
If you happen to have a small cavity, you can have a filling done for the least amount of expense. If that is not noticed or cared for right away, the cavity grows and becomes a more expensive crown. Or, if you wait until it hurts, it becomes an even more expensive root canal and crown, or even worse, you end up losing your tooth. Remember, dental disease does not hurt unless it is too late. We always want to try to catch it early, fix it quickly, and minimize your expense.
How often should you get dental checkups?
The rule of thumb for dental checkups is twice per year. But many of our patients have health conditions that affect their oral health. Only super healthy people should do it twice a year. If you have medical conditions like, for example, dry mouth, or you're on medications that make your mouth dry, or as we get older we're not able to brush and floss as well, actually three or even four times a year is way better at helping you catch problems early on.
What can dental checkups prevent?
Dental checkups can prevent a myriad of oral health issues. A lot of it can stem from having dry mouth. You get cavities, infections in the bone, and gum disease. You can have a big filling with a cracked tooth that you want to address before the tooth completely breaks. Many times when the tooth does break, we can still fix it, but oftentimes we have to remove it. Many things can be avoided and treated better, more quickly, and more efficiently for you if you just come and see your dentist.
Why are twice-a-year dental checkups and cleanings recomended?
Why twice a year? Because from the time we see you on day zero, you have no problems. You're chewing on your teeth maybe a couple hundred times in a day, and you chew things from soft things to very hard things. Things can change quickly, and 6 months is a lot of chewing.
What is included in a dental checkup?
A dental checkup is included once a year with no dental X-rays. A dentist just looks, makes sure everything looks okay, and points out some problems that could be arising or some major problems if things are not going well. About once a year, we do have X-rays to help us. Keep in mind that we also have visual exams, X-rays, probings, and we are like an investigator. We take all the evidence, and we then make the diagnosis or conclusion. Once we have a diagnosis, then we know what we're going to do to treat that diagnosis.
We cannot just diagnose based on dental X-rays alone. It's impossible. You may not see the cavity on the X-ray, but when you're sitting there and we look in your mouth, we can totally see it, but it's not on the X-ray. And the reverse is also true. You can see something on the X-ray that we cannot see in the mouth when we're sitting and looking in your mouth. Sometimes we're not sure. It looks like a cavity, but I don't see anything in your mouth. It looks okay in your mouth. It looks like a cavity, so we don't treat it. But the reverse is also true. It looks okay, but the dental X-ray looks really bad. Keep in mind we use all the tools, and experience too, to make a diagnosis and therefore recommend treatment based off of that.
What to Expect at Your First Checkup
Our dental cleaning appointments are about an hour-long, and new patient visits typically last a bit longer. We take pride in getting to know each of our patients, tailoring treatments to the health needs and goals of every individual. Here's what to expect the first time you come to our office:
- Dental History: A hygienist will gather dental and medical histories so that we have a clear picture of your current health, including any medical conditions that can impact dental treatment.
- Digital X-rays: We take digital x-rays as diagnostic material for your comprehensive oral exam. If you have had x-rays taken within the last 12 months, please have them sent to our office. If you are unable to have x-rays taken, please inform the hygienist as you give your medical history.
- Oral Screening and Teeth Exams: After we perform an oral cancer/lesion screening for symptoms of cancer and other illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, we examine your teeth for decay.
- Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleanings: Our hygienist will evaluate your gums, measuring periodontal pockets with a probe, and clean your teeth by identifying and removing areas of tartar, plaque, and calculus.
- Oral Hygiene Habits: We end your visit by reviewing and reinforcing proper oral hygiene.
How long does a dental checkup take?
A dental checkup can take anywhere from 10 minutes for a quick look all the way to about 30 to 40 minutes if dental X-rays are needed.
What is the importance of a dental cleaning?
The importance of a dental cleaning is to remove plaque, soft tissue deposits, off your teeth and to remove calculus, or tartar, off your teeth. Why do we want to remove plaque? We want to remove plaque because plaque is a bacteria, a film, a biofilm that collects on your tooth. We need to clean it off so that the biofilm doesn't continue to grow. If the biofilm is not removed, it calcifies. It becomes tartar, calculus, which is hard. We need specialized tools to remove it.
If we catch it early enough, we remove it because that tartar is above your gum line. If you don't go see your dentist for a while, that tartar grows. It collects more and more, and it's like a snowball effect. What starts out as plaque becomes calculus. It grows into more calculus and starts going into your gum. Now we have problems with gum disease setting in, and that you cannot polish off or use your toothbrush to remove. We have to numb you. We have to go under your gum. We have to scrape it all off. If it goes under your gum, now we have a means by which this bacteria can actually penetrate your blood supply and then affect other organs in your body. So, it is very important to get it off your teeth at least twice a year in the form of plaque, even if it's tartar or calculus above the gum line. You don't want it going under your gum because health issues can then set in.
The Teeth Cleaning Procedure
When you come in for a cleaning, your dental hygienist identifies and removes plaque—a soft film that can be removed by brushing—and tartar—a hardened plaque that requires dental instruments for removal. We make every effort to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the tiny spaces between your teeth and along gum-lines where bacteria gather.
We often complete the cleaning with prophy paste. Its coarse quality, which removes any remaining plaque as it dissolves into a finer texture, leaves the teeth shiny and smooth. We inform you of any areas where plaque and tartar build-up, so you can give those places extra attention by flossing and brushing each day. Our goal is to enable you to easily and effectively care for your teeth.
How often should you get dental cleanings?
Your dental cleaning should be at a minimum twice per year. If you're getting health issues or you're prone to cavities or gum disease, four times a year is absolutely required. And believe it or not, some people come in five times, six times a year. It is an individual decision based on your needs. It's not a one-size-fits-all for everybody.
Are there different kinds of teeth cleanings?
No. Prophylaxis—a fancy word for teeth cleaning—is the only dental procedure of its kind. Prophylaxis involves a routine teeth cleaning every six months.
The procedures that are sometimes called "cleanings" are actually periodontal treatments:
- Full Mouth Debridement—a pre-cleaning for those with severe calculus build up.
- Scaling and Root Planing—a deep cleaning for those with early stages of gum disease.
- Perio Maintenance—a periodontal cleaning for those with a history of gum disease.
Are dental cleanings painful?
Dental cleanings are not painful if you don't have gum disease. It doesn't hurt when you brush or chew your food. A dental cleaning should not hurt. Now, if you have an infection in your gum or your gums are really swollen because you haven't gone to the dentist in a long time, then yes, it can be painful because you have what's called inflammation.
Inflammation arising from the bacteria in your mouth. It's kind of like if someone hits you in the arm, your arm gets sore, and if you touch it, you go, "Ow." Well, that's inflammation. Even though no one's hitting you in the mouth, you do get inflammation from the bacteria. Your gums are puffy, swollen, and tender. Yes, when we touch it, you go, "Ow," but once that infection, the inflammation, is resolved, then it shouldn't hurt, provided you go see your dentist at least twice a year.
How long do most dental cleanings last?
Most dental cleanings last about an hour. You come in, have a good conversation with your dentist or hygienist. The dentist gets the job done. It takes about an hour by the time you leave.
Can dental cleanings damage my teeth?
Can dental cleanings damage the teeth? The answer is no, not really. Why do I hesitate? Because sometimes people come in with demineralized teeth. If we use certain tools and scrape too hard, sometimes we can remove enamel. So it is very important that only a trained professional clean your teeth or use dental tools to remove tartar and debris. Again, a dental professional is well-versed in how to clean teeth. Don't let just anybody clean your teeth.
Proper Oral Hygiene: How to Prevent Tooth Decay
There are several simple and affordable ways in which you can fight tooth decay—a common chronic health condition.
- Brush twice and floss once daily.
- Have dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.
- Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods.
- Take fluoride tablets, which make teeth more resistant to decay.
- Ask your dentist about additional cleaning supplements.
The Cost of Teeth Cleaning
Most dental insurance policies include benefits that cover teeth cleanings. After all, not maintaining good oral hygiene will most likely lead to astronomical costs down the road, as failure to keep up with teeth cleanings often leads to serious and expensive health problems. Every patient's budgetary situation is different, so we are happy to discuss yours with you. At a consultation, we present any possible costs up front to help you navigate your insurance benefits. Our main objective is to help you have a successful oral health experience.
At Riverside Center for Esthetic Dentistry, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (951) 904-3164 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.