If you aren’t seeing your dentist twice a year, it may have been quite a while since you were last in for a check-up. Sometimes life gets in the way, sometimes finances are a concern, and sometimes we just forget how important taking care of our dental health is. Whether it’s your first time in a dental office or just your first time back in a long time, you’re probably wondering what the procedures surrounding a dental check-up are. This article helps to clear the air on this topic and lend a little clarity to your first check-up, or at least your first in a while.
Dental Check-Up Basics
Upon arrival at the dental office, you’ll likely be greeted by the smiling face of the receptionist with a patient history form in hand. Filling out this document will help provide some insight into your dental history, your overall medical history, and what concerns you’re facing in your day to day life that could affect your dental health. Once they have this in hand it’s a brief wait until you’re called back by the Hygienist to start your check-up.
A Hygienist? Where’s The Dentist?
Dental hygienists are an important part of your visit to the dental office, and they’re the ones responsible for prepping your mouth for the dentist. They can help take x-rays so the dentist gets a complete look at the terrain, they can give you tips on how to clean your teeth, and they assist the dentist with any procedures they perform while you’re in the chair by handling extra equipment and sometimes taking notes.
Next Up: The Dentist And The Exam Proper
While all of this can be rightfully said to be part of the dental check-up, the party doesn’t really start until the dentist arrives. Now that you’ve been prepped by the hygienist your dentist is able to get a clear look at what’s going on inside your mouth. They’ll identify problem areas, discuss further treatments that may be necessary, and do an even deeper clean than that performed by the hygienist to eliminate plaque and tartar.
Do I Really Need Two Dental Check-Ups A Year?
Dental check-ups do more than just confirm that your teeth are in good shape, they also provide a touch-point for your progress throughout the year and an opportunity for your dentist to catch concerns before they get out of control. These exams include checking for oral cancer, issues with the joint where your jaw connects to your skull, and signs of other health problems that can present as oral concerns. You don’t want to miss out on the chance to catch some of these early when something can still be done.
Contact Dr. Reynaldo Barbon at Superb Dental Care in Pasadena, CA to schedule an appointment today and get back on track. Dental Check-Ups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime, so don’t let another day go by without taking steps to protect your smile and your health with a call to Superb Dental Care.
