Did you know that you should see your dentist twice a year? This is a general rule, but more visits may be required depending on your specific needs. Even if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home, biannual cleanings and examinations help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your Ankeny, IA Dentist is here to remind you to come in for an appointment if it has been longer than six months.
Read more: Is It Time To Schedule A Checkup?Your First Visit
If it is your first time in our office, we’ll take some time to get to know you before beginning your appointment. We want all of our patients to feel comfortable, whether this is your very first time at the dentist or you have recently transferred to our office. We will then examine your smile and discuss the goals you may have for your pearly whites. If you have damaged teeth or cavities, we can create a treatment plan to restore these areas. Or, for patients looking to improve the appearance of their smile, cosmetic options can be discussed.
What Happens During A Dental Checkup
This biannual appointment will take around thirty minutes and includes two parts. First, your teeth will be cleaned and flossed. We can use special tools to help remove the plaque that can build up over time. Even when brushing every day, you may not be able to rid of this buildup on your own. During this part of the appointment, your dentist may recognize visual signs of some problems, such as a cavity or inflamed gums. They may be able to give you helpful tips to improve your oral hygiene if it looks like you miss some spots during your at-home hygiene routine.
After your teeth are cleaned, your oral cavity will be examined. This helps check for decay, gum disease, and potential signs of oral cancer. X-rays may be taken to get a closer look at the problem. These images are helpful when tracking the growth of your teeth, alignment problems, and creating treatment plans.
When You Need Additional Services
At the end of your checkup, your dentist may go over some concerns that they have noticed and will discuss possible treatment options to help. For instance, if they recognize that your gums seem swollen or red, they may recommend deep cleaning sessions to help treat gingivitis. It is important to have this treated early to prevent the infection from progressing. They may also be able to see wear and tear caused by bruxism. If you grind your teeth frequently, the enamel can be worn down and can make it easier to fracture your teeth. To treat this, your dentist can create a custom oral appliance for you to wear that will protect your pearly whites from clenching together.
Come In For Your Cleaning
Call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, today at (515) 965-0230 to schedule your checkup. These visits help maintain good oral hygiene.
