What Does a Dentist Do?
Many people worry about what the dentist kingwood texas does and their routine checkups. According to the CDC, up to 40% of adults and 20% of children don’t regularly visit the dentist.
If you don’t regularly visit the dentist, you may wonder what exactly a dentist does during these regular visits. Brushing and flossing at home are important aspects of oral care, however, it is equally important to regularly visit the dentist. A dentist provides care for teeth, gums and overall oral health in addition to preventative care. Below is a summary of what you can expect during these routine visits.
Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are often taken at checkup visits. X-rays provide the dentist with insight that may not be visible from the surface. There are various types of X-rays available. Your dentist will decide which type and amount provide them with the information they need.
Oral Examination
A dental hygienist is able to do many things during a routine checkup. The more advanced tasks such as filling a cavity or extracting teeth will be handled by the dentist. The dentist will also conduct an oral examination and look at the following:
- Decay: The dentist will look for any signs of tooth decay or softening of the enamel. These can be the early signs of a cavity.
- Pocket Measurements: To assess the health of your gums and the supporting bones, a periodontal probe will be used to measure the pockets around your teeth. This measurement can help identify any signs of bone loss from gum disease.
- Bite: The dentist will also evaluate your bite during the oral exam. They will look for any irregularities or issues.
Oral Cancer Screening
Early detection is vital in the success of treating oral cancer. As a result, dentists will screen for any signs of cancer at every checkup. Your head, neck, lips, tongue and mouth will all be examined for anything unusual.
Scaling and Polishing
Patients are encouraged to have their teeth professionally cleaned to maintain healthy gum tissue and prevent periodontal disease. Special instruments are used to remove any hardened plaque, also known as tartar. Your teeth will also be polished with a special paste to remove stains and to strengthen the enamel.
Home Care Instructions
During routine visits, patients are provided with instructions for good dental hygiene at home. This can include instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Taking care of your teeth at home can help you avoid painful and expensive issues later on. Prevention and early intervention are key.
What To Expect During a Dental Visit
On your first visit, your dentist will obtain your complete health history. Be sure to communicate any changes in your health during follow-up visits and it can impact your care and treatment plan. In summary, below is what you can expect during regular visits to the dentist.
- Thorough Cleaning: a dental hygienist or dentist will use instruments along and below the gum line to remove plaque build-up which can cause gum disease, cavities and bad breath. They will also typically polish and floss your teeth.
- Complete Dental Examination: your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth. During the exam they will check for issues and any signs of disease.
- X-Rays: X-rays can provide the dentist visibility to problems that may otherwise not be noticeable. X-rays can expose impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts and tooth decay.
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