Regular Checkups
Don't brush off regular checkups to the dentist! Regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health. We encourage regular checkups at least every six months. Seeing the dentist twice a year is recommended because your dentist can:
- check for problems that you might not see or feel
- find early signs of decay
- treat oral health problems early, while they are still manageable
Regular checkups include a thorough cleaning, polishing, and an oral exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, the doctor checks the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. At each visit, the doctor also checks old fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack.
Your First Visit
Your first visit to the doctor typically includes an x-ray that allows the doctor to view the structure of the jaw, the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted, malformed roots, and tooth decay.
The initial visit also involves getting your medical history. When you share your medical history with the doctor, be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Inform your dentist if you have experienced recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have recently been ill. Also tell the doctor the names, doses, and frequency of any medications you are taking — whether prescription or over-the-counter products — and the name of your physician. Inform the doctor of any changes in your health or medications. It is also important to bring up any fears you may have about dental treatment.
The information collected in your first visit will help the doctor select the safest and most effective method of treatment for you.
New patients eighteen years or older will be scheduled with one of our dentists. Your first visit will include any necessary x-rays, an oral cancer exam and a very thorough exam of your mouth and teeth. Your dentist will review proper brushing techniques, review x-rays and discuss treatment options with you. Following your appointment, you will speak with one of our treatment coordinators to review your information, insurance benefits and our financial policy. If treatment is necessary, we will schedule your next appointment.
New patients under the age of 18 will be scheduled with one of our hygienists. She will take any necessary x-rays, clean and polish your teeth, review proper brushing techniques, apply fluoride when appropriate and conclude with an exam from your dentist.