Regular dental checkups are a key part of maintaining good oral health. But if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may be wondering what to expect at your next visit. Knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety you may have about going to the dentist. This article will walk you through what happens during a routine dental checkup in Okotoks and explain why regular visits are so important.
Booking Your Appointment
The first step is booking your appointment with your dentist near you. Most dental offices recommend checkups twice per year, but your individual needs may require more or less frequent visits. When you call to schedule, the receptionist will ask for your availability and book you for a 30-60 minute appointment depending on what you need done. Tell the receptionist if you’re experiencing any dental pain or issues so they can allot enough time to address your concerns.
Arriving at Your Appointment
On the day of your dental checkup near you, arrive 5-10 minutes early to check in and fill out any new patient paperwork if needed. Bring your insurance card and payment method so billing can be handled efficiently. The dental hygienist will call you back once your dentist is ready to see you.
Initial Exam
Your dentist will start by asking about any symptoms you may be having like pain, bleeding gums, etc. Be ready to describe your symptoms so they can be properly evaluated. Your dentist will examine your head, neck, and oral tissues looking for any abnormalities. Then the dentist will use various tools to look more closely at your teeth, gums, and other tissues. They may tap on your teeth with a metal tool to check for loose teeth or cracks. As they examine you, your dentist will discuss any issues or concerns they notice. This first clinical exam gives your dentist a baseline to compare future visits against.
Dental X-rays
X-rays allow your dentist to see below the surface for issues like cavities, impacted teeth, or abscesses. Bite-wing x-rays focus on your back teeth while a full mouth series covers all teeth. Your dentist will have you wear a heavy lead apron to shield your body from radiation exposure during the x-rays. Newer digital x-ray machines expose you to very little radiation. X-rays typically get taken yearly, but your risk for cavities and other issues will determine your recommended frequency.
Cleaning and Polishing
After examining your teeth, your hygienist will clean any built-up calculus (hardened plaque), biofilm, and stains from your teeth to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. They will begin by flossing your teeth before moving on to scraping and polishing. If needed, they may give your teeth a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel or apply sealants to protect molars from decay. The hygienist will be able to remove more plaque and tartar than you can with regular brushing and flossing at home. A professional dental cleaning usually takes 20-30 minutes to complete.
Your dentist or hygienist will advise you if any suspicious areas need further assessment. Depending on your oral health status, some patients require periodontal probing to check for gum disease or the application of an acidic gel to check for early signs of tooth decay. More involved procedures would require booking a separate appointment.
Exam Follow-Up
At the end of your visit, your dentist will summarize their findings and recommendations. This may include scheduling follow-ups for identified issues, recommending at-home care like using prescription strength fluoride toothpaste, or referring you to a dental specialist. Ask any other questions you have about your oral health before you leave your appointment.
Your dentist may recommend a specific interval for your future checkups based on your unique oral health status and risk factors. Maintaining your recommended checkup schedule is important to catch dental disease early while it is most treatable.
Why Checkups
Matter Regular professional cleanings and exams done by your dentist in Okotoks are essential because they:
- Remove harmful plaque buildup you can’t reach at home to help prevent cavities and gum disease
- Allow early detection and treatment of oral health problems before they become complex issues
- Assess your risk for disease to determine your ideal checkup frequency
- Catch precancerous lesions, oral cancer, and other oral abnormalities in initial stages when prognosis is better
- Monitor growth and development in children and teens
- Provide preventative services like sealants and fluoride treatments
Following your dentist’s recommendations leaves your mouth healthier in between visits. Maintaining regular 6 month checkups and professional cleanings is an important investment in your lifelong oral health.
Booking your next dental checkup in Okotoks is easy - simply search for highly rated dentists in your area and call a few offices to find one you like. Regular exams allow your dentist to safeguard your oral health. Knowing what to expect and why checkups matter empowers you to take charge of your dental care. With a little preparation, your next dental visit will be pain-free and over before you know it.
Address: 201 Southridge Dr #307, Okotoks, AB T1S 2E1, Canada
