DENTAL EXAM & CHECKUP IN MOBILE, AL
DENTAL EXAMINATIONS
Dental examinations are a core component of proper oral healthcare. By undergoing a thorough, professional examination every six months, patients are able to maintain good oral health while avoiding a variety of preventable oral health conditions. This may include gum disease, decay, loose teeth, bone loss, and so much more.
West Mobile Dental Care provides comprehensive dental examinations that prevent most oral health conditions. This allows a patient to enjoy their healthy smile without worry.
Industry Standard for Dental Checkups & Examinations
Dental health organizations began to recognize the need for preventive care and maintenance and started suggesting that you should see your dentist twice a year for checkups, examinations, and professional cleanings. This rule of thumb has persisted as a guideline only because each individual patient may have different oral health issues that require a greater frequency of visits. This determining factor is based on your personal oral hygiene, good or bad oral habits, and any medical conditions. For example, some of these factors that would influence dental checkup frequency include smoking, pregnancy, diabetes, a compromised or weak immune system that may cause infections or difficulty fighting them, if you currently have gum disease, or if you simply can’t keep up with the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. If you are in a higher risk category, you may actually have to schedule dental visits three to four times a year.
What to Expect
The first thing to expect is that Dr. Schrader will check your mouth for tooth decay, gum disease, any signs of oral cancer, or possible infections. After your mouth has had a full inspection, X-rays will capture what is going on between your teeth and below your gum line. Once the X-rays are reviewed, the staff at West Mobile Dental Care will proceed with a very thorough cleaning. This process removes plaque and tartar from the enamel on your teeth. Plaque and tartar carry bacteria that cause cavities, inflammation, and infections. You’ll be surprised, once your teeth are polished, how good they actually feel. If the dental exam reveals any other issues or problems, then treatment can be discussed, and a plan put into place. This could involve your teeth, your gums, your cheeks, your tongue, or your jawbone. The benefit of having regular exams is always catching something before it's too late to improve, reverse, or correct the problem.
Risks Associated with Missing Exams
Let’s say you have waited way too long for a dental checkup. You may find yourself in an uncomfortable position as you now have to be subjected to a dental procedure to correct your neglect. As an example, you may have to have a deeper cleaning, which means removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth beneath the gum line. This is necessary to either control your possible gum disease or prevent it from happening. Gum disease can lead to the loss of bone supporting the teeth. You may also find a cavity that will require a filling. If the cavity has gone undetected due to the lack of regular checkups, it may be significant in size and require a root canal or an extraction. Losing a tooth means replacing the tooth in order to preserve function and esthetics. The gap that is left will need a dental bridge or a dental implant. If you do not fill the gap, the neighboring teeth will shift into that space, resulting in a change in your bite pattern. The message here is that it is much easier and affordable to schedule that six-month appointment with West Mobile Dental Care and prevent these measures that most often just come from simple personal neglect.
At Home Preventative Oral Hygiene
In order to prevent oral health problems, it’s imperative to take proper care of your oral health at home. This means brushing twice a day, along with flossing and rinsing daily. Purchase a soft-bristle toothbrush and take your time thoroughly brushing. You’ll also want to cut back on sugary foods. To avoid stains, avoid coffee, tea, wine, and other colored beverages.
With proper at-home care, your regularly scheduled cleanings and checkups should be straightforward and pain-free.