What to Expect During a Dental Checkup

You’re going to need to visit a dentist eventually, and it’s all about whether you want to visit for a routine checkup, or because of a dental emergency like a toothache. By committing to regular dental checkups, you can safeguard your oral health and keep yourself on track to help avoid the need for expensive and uncomfortable procedures in the future.

If you’re nervous about your checkup, you don’t need to be. In this guide, we’re going to explore what you can expect during a dental checkup and why committing to regular dental checkups is essential for your oral health.

Why are dental checkups important?

Dental checkups are essential as they allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and take early steps to prevent issues. You might have dental problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, so you’ll only know about them when they cause pain or discomfort.

You might assume that your mouth is healthy because you aren’t in any pain, but it’s only a matter of time before those small issues become much more severe.

By regularly checking in with your dentist, you have the best possible chance of protecting your teeth against dental decay. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions about your oral health and learn more about cosmetic treatments that could benefit you.

What happens during a dental checkup?

During a dental checkup, your dentist will start by reviewing your history and asking you questions about your oral care habits. It’s helpful to be honest with your dentist, as being dishonest doesn’t benefit anyone.

For example, if your dentist asks if you floss and you say that you do it every day (when in reality, you rarely do) then this could be problematic. Your dentist might interpret your examination in a different way if you have said that you floss every day. More likely, your dentist will quickly be able to see that this isn’t the case, and they might encourage you to adopt better habits.

Your dentist will carry out a complete inspection of your teeth, gums and the soft tissues in your mouth. In addition to looking for signs of gum disease or tooth decay, they are also looking for the early signs of oral cancer. Nearly all oral cancers that are caught early are picked up by dentists.

Extra treatments during a checkup

The purpose of a checkup is to determine the health of your teeth and decide if further action is required. For example, your dentist might tell you that you need to arrange a follow up appointment for a filling. They could also refer you to a specialist, such as a dental hygienist to start treatment for gum disease.

Your dentist might take X-rays of your teeth to get a better look at the roots and the supporting structures. This is pain-free and quick. You don’t need to worry about or be afraid if you are told you’re going to have an X-ray.

Finally, your dentist might recommend a fluoride treatment. This is a jelly-like substance that is applied to the teeth and left for around 5 minutes. You’ll then rinse, and you’ll have to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes after your appointment. This will allow the fluoride to penetrate your teeth and remineralise the surface. Contact us now to book an appointment.