Many people, young and old, have a fear of going to the dentist. Fear, or not, it is important to visit a Wavell Heights dentist on a regular basis. You should visit your dentist at least two times a year for a checkup and cleaning. If you are at risk for dental problems you may need to visit more often. You should see your dentist in order to keep your teeth healthy and to help avoid high-risk dental infections.
When you visit a dentist you will first see the dental hygienist. They are a healthcare professional and are part of the team that works on your teeth. The most common task that they perform is providing preventive dental care. Cleaning your teeth is a job that they take care of. They may also help with educating the patient about oral hygiene and what you can do to keep your teeth healthy. Yes, brushing and flossing every day helps to keep your teeth clean but in a Banyo dental office, they can do a much more thorough job. They have the specialised equipment that can get rid of the tartar and plaque while they are cleaning your teeth.
In many cases, most dental problems do not become visible or painful until they are advanced. This is another reason why you need to visit your dentist regularly; to help prevent these problems. Unfortunately, many dental issues that are serious are not reversible. This means that if you have a very painful tooth you may have to have it extracted. If it is a cavity you will have to have it drilled so it can be fixed.
When going to the dentist regularly they will take x-rays and do a physical exam so they can see if there are any areas of your mouth, teeth, or gums that are at potential risk for developing a problem and fix any problems before they become a major serious issue. At a Wavell Heights dentist, they will also be able to identify the need for braces, grafts, or anything else to protect your mouth’s health.
If you have a cavity and get it taken care of you can avoid getting high-risk dental infections. Cavities are not only painful but can be very dangerous. If there is an infection in there it can spread to your bloodstream and cause serious problems. Regular dental checkups can help to prevent this.
What happens during an exam?
As mentioned you should go at least twice a year. This helps your dentist take care of routine maintenance on your teeth such as cleaning them and taking x-rays. This is considered a preventative process and will help you stop any tooth decay. At each visit in addition to the cleaning, your dentist may also use regular dental floss or a special instrument to get between your teeth in order to get out any buildup. They may also apply fluoride to your teeth to help prevent any further decay.
While at the dentist they will examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease or decay by using a special dental instrument and a mirror. They will probe and tap each tooth to check to see if they have any problems. The dentist will also check the pockets of space between your teeth and gums. If the dentist finds that there is too much space between them it could indicate early signs of gum disease. Oral cancer is another thing that the dentist will check for.
The x-rays that are taken are used to catch any potential problems that a dentist cannot see during a regular checkup. One example of such a problem could be having a cavity that is about to touch a nerve. On an x-ray, it is easier to see than with just a checkup. An x-ray can also spot abscesses, impacted teeth, and cysts.
In addition to checking and cleaning your teeth, some dentists may do a neck and head examination to look for anything out of the ordinary. They may also examine your bite, saliva, face, and movement of your lower jaw.
Some of the other things that a dentist will check for can include:
- Checking for any loose teeth
- Examining your tongue
- Checking for any teeth that may be broken
- Checking any fillings you might have to see if they are still okay or damaged
- Checking your gums that cover your teeth
- If you have any dental appliances in your mouth, such as braces, they will check them
- Polish your teeth
How often do you need to see a dentist
Twice a year is enough unless you are in what is considered a high-risk group.
- Pregnant women
- Smokers
- If you have current gum disease
- If you are prone to plaque buildup or getting cavities
- Diabetic
- If you have a weak immune system in response to bacterial infections
During your lifetime the schedule to see a dentist may change. This could be due to an illness or maybe even stress. In these cases, you may have to see them more often. If you take good care of your gums and teeth at home the Banyo dental office may lengthen the time between visits. This will depend on whether the dentist finds any gum disease or cavities for a few years. It is best to check with your dentist to see how they want to schedule your appointments.
