Visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings can be nerve-racking for patients of all ages Often, our fears of what might happen in the examination chair is far worse than what actually occurs. Fortunately, knowing what to expect before you step foot in the dental office can help make the process easier. At Soothing Dental in Midlothian, TX, Dr. Vinton and his experienced team are committed to making each patient’s routine dental check-up and cleaning as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Here’s what you can expect at your next dental exam and cleaning.
Why Routine Dental Exams Are Important
Routine dental exams are a critical part of maintaining good oral and overall health. Your teeth may look perfectly healthy to you, but a closer look from a trained eye could prove otherwise. Allowing our team of dental professionals at Soothing Dental to exam the condition of your mouth on a regular basis is the secret to preventing oral health problems from developing or progressing. For instance, cavities between teeth, receding gum lines on back molars, and dental erosion are all common conditions that go unnoticed to the naked eye. With this in mind, never underestimate the dentist’s role in keeping your smile healthy.
What to Expect During Your Exam
While dental exams are relatively simple, many important steps take place during them. These typically include:
- Oral cancer screening
- X-rays
- Periodontal charting
- Identifying soft tissue lesions
If these steps sound scary to you, don’t fret. They all occur quickly and painlessly, oftentimes with the patient unaware of what the dentist is doing. Best of all, they usually occur in less than one hour, so you’ll be in and out of your appointment in no time.
Dental Cleanings vs. Exams
At some point during a dental check-up, a patient will undergo a professional cleaning from a dental hygienist. Although they occur at the same time, dental cleanings and exams are not the same procedure. The purpose of a dental cleaning is to remove the build-up of tartar and plaque from the surface of one’s teeth. This will prevent periodontal disease as well as allow the dentist to see if any lesions were hiding beneath the buildup. Cleanings are not used to identify any oral health problems. That is reserved exclusively for the dentist during the exam.
The Cost of Dental Exams & Cleanings
Having a basic dental insurance plan can make a tremendous difference in receiving affordable care. With most dental insurance plans, patients can receive two free exams and cleanings a year. Sometimes, more appointments and procedures will be required depending on the patient’s particular needs.
The Frequency of Dental Exams
Visiting your dentist every six months is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. While some patients may need to be seen more frequently, the only way to determine how often you should receive dental attention is by receiving an exam from a dentist.
If you are due for a routine dental exam and cleaning, Dr. Vinton and his trusted staff are here to help. We proudly offer the most progressive equipment and techniques to keep our patients’ smiles healthy and strong. For many patients, going to the dentist is a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. We are committed to providing quality, comfortable dental care to each of our patients, no matter what their needs may require. Book an appointment today at our convenient office location in Midlothian, TX. We can’t wait to help you maintain a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime!
Soothing Dental is a family dental practice that provides a luxury, relaxing, spa-like environment for the Midlothian community. We see patients of all ages!