Along with the American Dental Association (ADA), we recommend a regular dental checkup every six months. When you see us every few months, our team can help manage your oral health and safeguard your teeth and gums. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about the benefits of a routine dental exam, and why you definitely don’t want to skip your next visit!
The Dental Checkup Process
What happens during your dental exam? When you sit down, we will ask you about your oral hygiene routine and any symptoms or changes you have noticed, such as sore, bleeding gums or possibly sensitive or aching teeth. We will then examine your smile with advanced digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, systems that use a fraction of the radiation and provide detailed and high-definition images instantly chairside. Our team can conduct a detailed diagnosis and then create a treatment plan to address any concerns we uncover!
What We Watch For
When we examine your teeth, we will look for signs of tooth decay and infection, as treatment is essential for keeping your smile whole and comfortable. Our team will also watch for wear and friction on your teeth that could indicate bite imbalance and issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). For kids, we want to make sure baby teeth arrive and fall out on schedule, so permanent ones have a clear path to eruption. We screen for oral cancer in adults too. For the gums, we want to identify inflammation and provide care for your periodontal concerns to keep your smile whole!
Treatment Options
What happens once we discover these concerns? Well, we will create a treatment plan as mentioned above. For cavities, we could offer relief in one visit with a lifelike and metal-free composite resin filling. For more advanced decay or infections, we can place porcelain or zirconia crowns that blend with your smile. If you have TMJ disorder or teeth grinding, we could provide relief with a noninvasive and custom oral appliance. Our team can also provide treatments like fluoride and dental sealants for kids to help lower their risk of tooth decay.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat smiles, or if you would like to schedule a checkup and cleaning with our team, then please reach out to our office today to get started!
Dental Impressions Recommend Regular Dental Exams
We want to help you enjoy good oral health with routine general and preventive treatment. With the right care and a preventive approach, you can enjoy strong and beautiful teeth and healthy gums for years to come. To schedule your appointment and learn more about our dental checkups, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.