The Importance of Regular Check-Ups With Your General Dentist

General dentists are the primary dental professionals people visit once or twice per year for oral health care. According to the American Dental Association, or ADA, biannual appointments are necessary to protect the integrity of your oral health, regardless of age. During these appointments, the general dentist and their team perform check-ups and recommend preventative services to preserve your natural teeth as long as possible. Take a closer look at the benefits of maintaining a biannual schedule.

What occurs during a check-up?

X-rays

A check-up with a general dentist always includes multiple steps. The first may include taking X-rays to examine the state of the jawbone and inner structures of the teeth. However, it is good to note this step will not be necessary during each check-up. Some general dentists will opt to take them annually, while others may only require them every few years, especially for healthy adults.

Cleanings

Patients then move to the cleaning, which the dental hygienist likely performs, but sometimes, the general dentist does so as well. They will assess plaque levels on the teeth and remove as much as possible with a standard, likely electric, toothbrush. Plaque is a sticky substance that builds on the teeth due to bacteria. It is easily removable with proper oral care techniques, such as brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. However, patients will be unable to remove it when it becomes tartar. Tartar is a hardened plaque requiring the general dentist or dental hygienist to remove it with special tools.

Fluoride treatment

Another optional but recommended treatment is the use of fluoride. Fluoride is an element found in low quantities in water, food, and oral care products. It helps strengthen the enamel, the tooth's first level of defense. While it is good for everyone to undergo this treatment, general dentists especially recommend it to those prone to decay and tooth erosion. We can provide pure fluoride with higher concentrations than those found in over-the-counter options. We will place the fluoride in a gel, varnish, or rinse. If patients opt to undergo this step, it will be performed immediately after the cleaning.

Examination

Multiple people will perform an examination, including the general dentist and dental hygienist. Their primary goal is to check for abnormalities and the overall health of the gums and teeth. The dental hygienist will begin testing areas of the gums that seem weak or show signs of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious infection that must be caught and addressed early to prevent gum tissue, jawbone, and tooth loss.

The dentist will review the X-rays and poke around the mouth using special tools, paying special attention to suspicious areas. They will check for lesions, sores, and discolored areas and consider the findings of the dental hygienist before making care or procedure recommendations. This will also be the time to share with the dentist any concerns the patient has been having with their oral health since their last visit.