Routine Dental Appointments are Important

Regular dental appointments are part of preventive care. The American Dental Association and other professional health organizations stress the importance of dental checkups in an effort to combat tooth decay and gum disease, and to prevent other serious health issues.

Going to the dentist on a regular basis can also help prevent costly treatment by identifying problems before they become more challenging and require extensive and expensive treatments. Dental cleanings and examinations can also head off problems before they begin.

Professional Cleanings

A regular dental includes a series of evaluations, including:

• Overall health and dental wellbeing
• Risk of dental caries, gum or bone disease, decay and inflammation
• Tooth restoration or replacement
• Bite and jaw mobility and function.

During a professional cleaning, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar build up. The hygienist will also discuss problem areas and offer tips for cleaning teeth at home, including proper cleaning techniques and products for teeth or dentures.

Dental Examinations

Imaging helps dentists to spot problems that can otherwise go unnoticed. A detailed image of the mouth can identify bite problems and provide the dentist with a good picture of the teeth and surrounding bone structure. Depending on the reason for your exam, the dentist may utilize more advanced imaging equipment such as cone beam computerized topography,  to obtain a 3-d image of teeth spacing and the adjacent structures often used with implant patients.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer screenings are an important part of the dental examination. More than 40,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, and yet many signs of oral cancer can be identified with a simple screening. The screening involves looking for signs of cancer in the mouth, and feeling the area around the jaw and neck. The dentist or hygienist will also examine the inside of the lips and cheeks, as well as the tongue.

Following the appointment, any issues are discussed and concerns addressed. It is important to discuss any changes in health or any medical conditions and medications with your dentist, in case these impact the health of your mouth and gums.

A healthy mouth is essential to overall wellness, and dental visits are an important part of any health care plan. With regular visits to the dentist, and taking appropriate preventive measures, it is possible to live a life of health and wellbeing.

Contact Northwest Family Dental in Rainier to schedule your next appointment.