Dental cleanings & consultations are the foundation of general dental care. These preventative services allow your general dentist to assess and maintain your oral health. Per the American Dental Association’s recommendation, dental cleanings & consultations should be performed by your dentist at least twice a year. Regular dental cleanings remove excess plaque and tartar from your teeth, while regular dental consultations allow your dentist to detect any possible dental issues early on.
Did You Know?
The older Americans get, the less likely they are to visit their dentist. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes a steady decrease in the percentage of adults that regularly visit the dentist. In fact, children ages 2-17 have higher attendance rates than adults, as 79% of children see their dentist. This percentage drops to 61% from the ages of 18-61 and then to 57% in adults over the age of 65.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I really need semi-annual dental cleanings & consultations?
Yes. No matter how old you are or what dental habits you have, you can always benefit from a dental cleaning and consultation. Dental cleanings can remove plaque from hard to reach places that you may have missed, while dental consultations simply evaluate your oral health to prevent it from declining. How long has it been since your last dental cleaning? If it has been longer than six months schedule a consultation with your Hemet general dentist, Dr. Formica today!
What should I expect during my dental cleaning & consultation at my Hemet dentist?
There are several things that happen during a dental cleaning & consultation at your Hemet dentist. For starters, dental x-rays are taken to get a look at the underlying structures. Dental x-rays are helpful because they can detect dental cavities, identify impacted wisdom teeth, and show problems with tooth roots.
Dr. Formica will also examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. He may use a dental probe to explore your teeth and may measure your gum pockets to check for signs of gum recession. He will also screen your soft tissues for any signs of abnormal texture or color that could indicate an issue.
Your medical history and list of current medications will also be discussed. Although many don’t realize this, your oral and overall health are closely related. Because of this, certain medical conditions and medications can directly affect your oral health and vice versa. By reviewing your medical history and current medications, Dr. Formica can provide better treatment suited to your needs.
The final step is to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Using a dental tool called a scaler, a dental hygienist will gently scrape the surface of your teeth, removing plaque and tartar. Plaque is softer and comes off easily, while tartar is hardened plaque that only comes off with a scaler. Next, your teeth will be brushed with a gritty toothpaste, flossed, and rinsed to remove any remaining bits of debris. Finally, fluoride with be applied to your teeth in the form of a polish or rinse.
What can I expect after my dental cleaning & consultation at my Hemet dentist?
After your dental cleaning & consultation, you will make an appointment for your next appointment in six months. In some cases, you may need to make an appointment sooner to resolve possible issues the dentist may have identified during your consultation. It is important to seek restorative dental treatment at the first signs of trouble so the problem can be treated before it gets worse. In between your appointments, it is also important to practice good oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once a day.
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