Routine Checkups and Cleanings - Covington, GA
Why Routine Dental Visits Matter
Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day are two of the most important routines you can have not just for your oral health, but your overall health as well. After all, dentists are largely emphasizing the importance of oral care and its relationship with whole-body wellness for a reason. Furthermore, oral issues can easily go undetected for months and even years. Once you start to notice them, it’s often to late to prevent damage they’ve caused. With routine checkups and cleanings, Dr. Dean and his team can ensure you avoid these issues before they develop, so call us today to schedule your next visit!
What Does My Six-Month Visit Look Like?
During a standard checkup and cleaning, Dr. Stephen Dean will perform a detailed examination of your mouth and confirm if any plaque or tartar is present. He’ll also take note of the current condition of your enamel, gum tissue, bite, and other oral tissues to determine if any underlying symptoms of specific conditions are present. If you have not yet had your annual X-rays completed, these will be a part of your checkup as well. Comprehensive exams are crucial for:
- Confirming your at-home brushing and flossing is effective
- Catching issues invisible to the naked eye (i.e. early signs of tooth decay, damages to existing bone tissue, erupting wisdom teeth, etc.)
- Catching early signs of oral cancer
- Preventing dental issues and emergencies before they happen
Following your exam, our trained and dedicated hygienist will perform a cleaning of your teeth and gums, carefully removing plaque and tartar as needed. They will also floss in between your teeth, an area known for holding a significant amount of plaque and bacteria.
Why Do I Need to Visit Every Six Months?
One of the main reasons why you need to visit our office every six months is because there are multiple dental issues that you cannot resolve on your own with brushing and flossing alone. For example, tartar, the calcified form of plaque, can only be safely removed by a professional hygienist. Furthermore, Dr. Dean can provide helpful advice to improve your oral care if needed, which is not something you’d be able to confirm by yourself.
In many cases, certain conditions (including cavities and gum disease) could be developing without you even knowing it. The American Dental Association notes that biannual checkups is often enough to catch underlying problems before they become irreversible. Plus, you’re sure to save money on routine care that catches and prevents dental issues compared to needing a dental filling, crown or gum therapy provided by our office.
What Should You Ask Us During Your Appointment?
Dr. Dean and his team always encourage patients to ask any questions they may have. The team has spent years learning and researching everything regarding dentistry, and your routine checkup is the perfect time to access a professional’s advice and knowledge. For example, you can ask questions like: