When was the last time you visited our team for a checkup and cleaning? These may seem like minor preventive treatments, but they help protect your smile from the onset of issues like cavities and gum disease. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about the importance of a checkup and cleaning appointment!
Time to Schedule a Visit!
How often do you need to see the dentist for a checkup and cleaning? The American Dental Association recommends a visit every six months, as serious oral health concerns take several months to form and through visits twice a year mean we can identify these concerns in the earliest stages. Often, we can provide treatment before you develop discomfort or risk the loss of your teeth. If you haven’t seen us in a while, we urge you to make an appointment soon so we can help you and your family enjoy optimal oral health. Everything starts with a simple checkup and cleaning visit.
Dental Exams
A dental checkup means we take a close look at your smile to assess the risk of oral health concerns. Using digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, our team will examine the teeth, roots, gums, and oral structures for signs of problems like tooth decay, infection, gingivitis, gum disease, and TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). We can also screen for oral cancer, looking for areas that are potentially cancerous or precancerous, so you can undergo a biopsy and begin treatment in the early stages. For kids, we also make sure that primary teeth arrive and fall out as they should, and that permanent teeth can erupt without complication. These visits help people become accustomed to the dentist, so they’re less likely to have dental anxiety, and they can maintain optimal oral health as well.
Removing Plaque
In the same visit we will also remove all plaque and tartar buildup with a dental cleaning. The buildup occurs when harmful oral bacteria break down particles of sugar and starch in our smiles. This process could weaken the enamel to cause cavities, and inflame gum tissues to cause gum disease. The process involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to remove these layers. We then polish the teeth to ensure a smoother finish and a brighter smile.
If you have any questions about how we protect your smile with routine checkups and cleanings, or if you would like to schedule your next visit for you or a member of your family, then contact our team today!
Visit Your Katy, TX, Dentist Soon!
We would like to help you enjoy good oral health with routine preventive treatments. Call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 for more information or to schedule your appointment.
