Overdue for a dental checkup? At Naperville Family Dentists, our checkups are fast, easy, and painless. They’re essential to help you keep your teeth healthy and clean, treat any existing dental conditions, and prevent new ones from occurring.
Preventative dentistry is key to maintaining good oral health. The idea is to catch and prevent dental problems before they occur. Our checkups are an important part of that.
How Often Should I Get a Dental Checkup?
Depending on your dental situation, you may need to get a dental checkup every three to six months. Most dental plans cover two dental checkups per year if you have dental insurance. However, if you have dental problems, you may need to get more frequent dental checkups. Also, if you are pregnant or have diabetes, you should get more frequent dental checkups.
What to Expect During Your Dental Checkup
You can typically expect an exam and cleaning during your checkup. Don’t be surprised if we ask you about your medical history and medications at your next appointment. We’re doing this to ensure that any procedures are as safe as possible for you.
Dr. Primiano or Mach will check your teeth and gums for general problems and signs of decay or disease.
The Exam
During the exam, we’re typically looking for some specific dental conditions:
Cavities.
Cavities are small holes in your teeth that can become infected. If left untreated, cavities can lead to tooth loss. Cavities are common, so don’t be too alarmed if we discover them. We’ll help you fix them and get you on an excellent dental health track to prevent them.
Gum Disease.
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause them to bleed or become swollen. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss. The sooner we catch gum disease, the better.
Tooth Misalignment.
Misaligned teeth can cause problems with chewing and speaking. Teeth can move over time, especially if you grind your teeth. Erupting wisdom teeth can also impact your teeth.
Bite Problems.
A misaligned bite can cause pain and make it difficult to chew food. It can also lead to TMJ disorder, a condition that can cause jaw pain.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth, tongue, or throat. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
We also screen for uncommon or easy-to-miss dental issues that you might not know you have because they are asymptomatic.
X-rays
Depending on your individual needs, we may recommend x-rays during your checkup. These help us get a better look at the health of your teeth and jawbone. We may also use them to check for cavities, gum disease, or other problems.
The Cleaning
Your dentist or hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth during your cleaning. They may also floss and polish your teeth and give you a fluoride treatment. Finally, they’ll discuss any areas of concern with you and answer any of your questions.
Dental Sealants
If you’re at risk for cavities, we may recommend dental sealants. Sealants are thin, clear coatings that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They help protect against cavities by sealing out food and bacteria.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen your teeth, protecting them from decay. Fluoride can be found in many products, including toothpaste and water. We may recommend a fluoride treatment during your checkup to help reduce your risk of cavities.
Check-In With Naperville Family Dentists for Optimal Oral Health
A regular dental checkup is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit to the dentist, call us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you keep your smile healthy and sparkling.