What to Expect at a Dental Checkup

If you have never seen a dentist, it has been a long time since your last visit, or perhaps you had a bad experience at some point, it would help a lot to know what to expect at a dental checkup. Dental professionals work hard to put every client at ease. Regardless of the treatment involved, they want people to feel relaxed and comfortable. Keep reading to learn more about dental checkups.

Making an appointment for a dental checkup

Having teeth and gums checked starts by making an appointment at a clinic for a dental checkup. After choosing the preferred clinic, an individual would contact it to get an appointment as early as possible. Upon arrival, someone will gather the patient’s insurance information. The patient will also complete a form that provides the clinic information regarding dental history. This form also allows them to bill the insurance company and see the individual as a patient.

Getting started

Depending on the clinic visited for the dental checkup, either a hygienist or a technician takes X-rays. From there, a hygienist begins the cleaning process of removing food particles, plaque, and any tartar. At the same time, the hygienist takes notes of any concerns regarding the teeth and gums. That information is then passed on to the dentist for the examination part of the visit.

Seeing the dentist

With the patient’s teeth cleaned, the next step involves an oral examination. This part of the dental checkup is when the dentist visually inspects both teeth and gums. If they spot something, such as a cracked tooth, cavity, or gum disease, the dental professional discusses the findings with the patient. That is when the dentist recommends the appropriate course of action.

Dental treatments

If a patient has one or more cavities, the dentist will fill them at the time of the scheduled dental checkup. Now, if someone has a more serious problem, there is a good chance the dentist will have them return for a second visit. Sometimes, a patient might need surgery or a procedure outside of the dentist’s qualifications. In that case, the dentist will refer the patient to an appropriate dental professional.

Extra services

Beyond the standard procedures associated with a dental checkup, a patient can opt for other services. For instance, whether an adult or child, the individual could talk to the professional about having the teeth sealed. The dentist can apply the sealant, which acts as a protective barrier, during the initial visit. This painless procedure takes very little time to complete.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Torrance, CA

Maintaining healthy gums and teeth

Preventative care is the first step to healthy gums and teeth. This is why you never want to miss a six-month dental checkup. Along with that, you can do several things at home. A few examples include brushing and flossing after every meal and avoiding foods and beverages loaded with sugar. Combined, you can avoid serious oral problems.

Request an appointment or call SmileWell Family Dentistry at 310-904-6375 for an appointment in our Torrance office.

Recent Posts

When Your Dentist Checks Your Gum Health During Your Dental Check-up

When you go to the dentist for your annual dental check-up, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy and free from decay or disease. During this visit, your dentist may use an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure how deep the pockets around…

5 Reasons Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential

A regular dental checkup is one of the most important aspects of a good oral healthcare routine. However, many people skip these appointments or go less frequently than they should. If you are in this situation, whether due to time constraints, financial concerns, a fear of the dentist, or any other reason, you should consider…

FAQs About A Dental Checkup

Some people genuinely fear getting a dental checkup. Yet, not only is seeing a dentist essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but it is also a process that is not scary at all. Dental professionals recommend a checkup every six months. That way, you can prevent a simple problem from becoming a serious issue.…

SmileWell Family Dentistry

Share
Published by
SmileWell Family Dentistry

Recent Posts

How Invisalign® for Teens Boosts Confidence

Teens undergo various challenges and physical transformations, such as treatments to align their teeth, which…

7 hours ago

FAQs About Eating With Invisalign

Eating with Invisalign ® aligners will be slightly different from your usual routine, but it…

1 week ago

When Your Dentist Checks Your Gum Health During Your Dental Check-up

Usually, check-ups happen at least once a year, but your dentist may suggest more frequent…

1 week ago

Invisalign vs. Lingual Braces

If you want to align your teeth discreetly, you have probably noticed the many options…

2 weeks ago

A Guide to the Implant Supported Dentures Procedure

Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported ones are attached to the jawbone, which prevents bone loss and…

3 weeks ago

Can Invisalign® Correct Bite Issues?

Invisalign® clear aligners can fix a range of tooth alignment issues, including bite problems. This…

3 weeks ago