What Can Happen If You Go Without Teeth Cleanings And Exams?

Regular dental exams and cleanings are important to a person’s overall commitment to smile care. What can happen to someone if they stop scheduling these routine visits and only see their dentist when they think something is wrong? Without these visits, you become vulnerable to tartar buildup, and you can let problems form and worsen without realizing it. If you are someone who has fallen out of the habit of scheduling routine exams, our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can help you return to good oral hygiene habits. With the right routine in place, you can have an easier time avoiding problems with your well-being, and you can enjoy protection against the accumulation of visible tartar deposits.

You Should Schedule Routine Dental Care Every Six Months

With the exception of those who are told by their dentist to follow a different schedule, people who want to maintain healthy teeth should book exams on a semiannual basis. By doing this, you receive alerts about any worrying changes in your oral health, and you enjoy protection against the buildup of tartar, a substance that forms when plaque deposits are given time to harden. This window of time limits how much a problem like tooth decay and gum disease can worsen, which means you are less likely to need more involved restorative dental work at a future visit.

What To Expect During Your Visit

During your appointment, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth, and you will receive an evaluation of your smile from your dentist. A standard teeth cleaning removes any harmful debris like plaque, tartar, or food deposits. If we observe any symptoms of gingivitis, we can recommend that you receive a more involved periodontal cleaning, which removes bacteria that are gathering below your gum line. Your dentist will check for gum disease and tooth decay during your review, as well as for problems like teeth grinding, which can lead to enamel damage over time.

Addressing Problems With Your Dental Or Periodontal Health

If a problem is identified during your appointment, we can discuss its severity and the type of care that might be called for. People who show signs of gingivitis can receive a thorough periodontal cleaning instead of a routine one. For cavities, we can recommend that a tooth be restored with either a dental filling or dental crown, depending on the severity of decay. Both of these restorations can be made to imitate healthy tooth structure so that you do not have to feel self-conscious about how you look after a procedure is done.

Schedule A Cleaning And Exam With Your Ankeny, IA Dentist

During your regular cleanings and evaluations, our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can make sure that your smile is in good condition, and that any problems are identified and addressed. To find out more, or to set your next appointment, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.