Visiting the dentist is an important part of your overall health. If you have not been to the dentist before or haven't been in a while, you may need clarification about the process involved.
To help you know what to expect during your next visit, our experts at ProHEALTH Dental discuss the process involved and answer questions you may have!
What To Expect During Your Dental Checkup
A typical dental checkup usually includes two primary components:
- Cleaning by a hygienist
- An examination by the dentist
Cleaning By A Hygienist
A hygienist will clean your teeth using special tools like electric scalers, small brushes, and instruments that measure tartar buildup on teeth surfaces. This step is important because plaque buildup can result in cavities or gum disease if not removed regularly.
Afterward, they may apply fluoride treatment or sealants to help protect your teeth from further decay.
It's normal for this process to take around 30 minutes depending on how much plaque has built up since your last cleaning appointment. During this time, you may experience some vibration as well as pressure from scraping or polishing instruments used by the hygienist, but no pain should be felt.
Examination By The Dentist
During the exam portion of your visit, your dentist will use various tools such as X-rays and mirrors to evaluate the overall condition of your mouth. They'll also do the following:
- Take note of cavities or signs of gum disease
- Inspect for jaw joint problems
- Check for oral cancer
- Determine if any restorative work needs to be done
The exam typically takes about 10-15 minutes and should not cause any discomfort since it is done with visual inspection only.
Non-Invasive Screenings
During your visit with ProHEALTH Dental, we go above and beyond for your oral health by conducting non-invasive screenings. These non-invasive chairside screenings are for critical clinical vital sign data that may reveal an undiagnosed medical condition.
Once a year, your hygienist will conduct simple, non-invasive health screening that allow us to be proactive in helping you achieve the best overall health outcomes and ensure your well-being during your visits. These non-invasive screenings include:
- Blood pressure screenings
- Pulse oximetry testing
- Cardiac rhythm testing
- Oral cancer screening
- Sleep disorder screening
The Role of Dental Assistants During Your Visit
You will also meet a dental assistant during your checkup. They are responsible for setting up the necessary equipment for procedures such as x-rays or fillings and helping with other tasks around the office, like sterilizing instruments and preparing patient charts.
The dental assistant is there to ensure everything runs smoothly during your visit so you can feel comfortable and relaxed.
The Benefits Of Routine Dental Appointments
The importance of regular visits to the dentist cannot be overstated; maintaining good oral health affects more than just our teeth. It affects our overall well-being too!
For example, research has shown that people who are proactive about their oral health tend to have better emotional well-being than those who don't prioritize their dental care due to fear or lack of access/resources.
Additionally, regular visits allow dentists to identify areas where preventive measures need to be taken before they become problems that require costly treatments down the line, such as identifying early signs of tooth decay or gum disease before they become worse over time.
Finally, routine dental appointments also include discussions about diet and lifestyle changes that may be necessary for you to maintain optimal oral health between visits, like reducing sugar intake.
How Oral Health Can Affect Your Mood & Energy Levels
It's essential to visit the dentist regularly not only for preventative care but also because good oral health can positively impact other areas of your life. Research has shown that having healthy teeth and gums can boost self-esteem, leading to improved moods and higher energy levels overall.
In addition, regular visits allow dentists to identify any potential issues early on before they become serious problems which could save you time, money, and discomfort down the road!
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy Through Maintaining A Healthy Diet
Maintaining good oral hygiene is about more than just going for regular checkups. It's also about making sure that you're taking good care of yourself on a daily basis by following proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as eating a nutritious diet full of the following:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Dairy products
- Nuts
- Water
All of these are essential for keeping teeth strong and healthy over time! Eating these foods will help maintain good oral health and give you more energy overall, making going for those regular checkups more enjoyable!
How The Dentist Can Identify Oral Cancer Before It Develops Further
Finally, visiting the dentist could also save your life! Regular screenings allow dentists/hygienists to detect any signs or symptoms related to oral cancer before they develop into something more serious.
If caught early enough, treatments can start immediately, significantly increasing survival rates. So don't forget, seeing the dentist twice a year could make all the difference and might even save your life!
Schedule An Appointment with Your Dentist!
Understanding what happens during a typical dental checkup can help you feel more excited and confident about your next appointment.
Regular appointments are important for preventing future issues from arising and providing emotional benefits, such as improved mental health due to increased self-confidence in our smiles!
ProHEALTH Dental cares about your oral health and comfort. From our dental assistants and hygienists to our dentists, you can expect an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Contact us online or give us a call to schedule your appointment! (855) 750-5011