Part of preventative dental care is not only regularly maintaining your dental routine at home but also visiting your dentist twice a year. During this visit, they will look at the condition of your teeth and gums. Things they look out for are any sensitivities, bleeding, soft spots, or areas where bacteria are more likely to grow. This could include spacing issues or any kind of misalignment in the jaw. Getting a dental cleaning or visiting the dentist can be a bit intimidating for some, but here we will break down the steps and why they are important.
Getting prodded and knowing you may experience some slight discomfort can make it difficult to pick up the phone and schedule your appointment with the dentist. However, there are tools and processes that only a dentist has that will help aid in your preventative dental care and help maintain your long-term oral hygiene. Your visit will likely begin with a dental hygienist who will take care of the first few aspects of your care. They complete an exam of your mouth with a mirror and may poke around to see if any issues are present. During the next step, they will use a tool to scrape off any plaque and tartar. They may need to pay special attention to certain areas where a build-up may be present.
After your teeth have gone through these steps, you will have your teeth cleaned. This is different from your normal routine at home, as it is done with an electric brush that deep-cleans and can remove any leftover tartar. Typically, you will be able to choose from flavors. However, it will be gritty in its consistency. This is needed to scrub the teeth and remove anything effectively. The hygienist will continue to floss in between your teeth. The last step of cleaning is to get your fluoride treatment, which serves to protect your teeth against cavities. Usually, you will also be able to select a flavor for your fluoride, and you may not be able to eat or drink for some time after it is applied. At some point during your visit, you will have a discussion with the dentist about any concerns or things they may need to follow up on.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in San Antonio, TX
If you are due for your X-rays, you may also get those taken at your visit. Usually, this is done annually by placing a paper or cardboard-like mold in your mouth as the hygienist moves a camera around, taking photos of your teeth. This looks at the alignment of your jaw and can help the dentist with noticing any potential cause for concern. The dentist may also recommend further treatments or procedures, such as filling any cavities or getting a root canal, if needed. In between dental visits, make sure that you brush, floss, and use your mouthwash for the best preventative dental care.
Request an appointment or call All Smiles Dental Center at 210-714-7429 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
A preventive dentist is a trusted partner in maintaining your oral health and preventing serious dental issues before they occur. This dental professional emphasizes regular care and education, supporting long-term wellness and reducing the need for extensive procedures. As the cornerstone of modern dental care, preventive dentistry underscores early detection, regular visits, and informed patients.A…
Fluoride is an all-around defense for your teeth, gums, and whole mouth. This is why many towns add the mineral to drinking water as a matter of public health. Dentists also use fluoride treatments to protect their patients’ teeth from tooth decay.Read on for a brief walkthrough of how fluoride protects the teeth at a…
Preventative dental care such as visiting the dentist is a huge cause of anxiety and stress in many patients. The thought of being in the examination chair and hearing the tools and possible irritation of your teeth and gums can be quite upsetting. However, going to the dentist regularly will eliminate those concerns as you…
An implant crown can help replace a missing tooth and restore confidence in your smile. When a dentist recommends an implant crown, the goal includes long-term stability, natural appearance, and comfortable function. Understanding each stage of the implant crown process helps patients feel more relaxed and prepared, from the first consultation through final placement.As its…
An implant dentist provides a reliable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth through dental implants. This process involves multiple steps to ensure the implant integrates successfully with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for a natural-looking restoration. Understanding each stage of the dental implant process helps patients feel confident in their treatment plan and long-term…