All too often, patients wait until there is a big problem before they consult a dentist, and it can be an incredibly painful - and expensive! - mistake.
Dental checkups ensure proper oral health and therefore are crucial to good preventative dental health.
A dental checkup refers to an in-office dental examination, where Dr. Huynh and his staff in Mesa has the opportunity to check your mouth and ensure there are no signs of decay or damage. If any cavities or fillings are discovered, they are typically addressed at this time, as well.
During your appointment, you will have the opportunity to spend time with both your dental hygienist and Dr. Huynh in order to guarantee that all of your concerns are addressed and resolved in a caring, supportive, and knowledgeable environment.
A dental checkup is typically conducted every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.
Even if you don’t have any cavities, don’t go canceling your appointment just yet - you’re still likely to have plaque and tartar present!
Plaque is a natural buildup of bad bacteria, coating the tooth in a clear, sticky film that makes it extremely hard for the naked eye to identify.
It often takes an expert, with specialty lights and professional tools, to spot plaque buildups and remove them. Otherwise, if gone unaddressed, the plaque will harden over time into tartar, inviting decay and disease.
We will survey and test the continuing effectiveness of temporary or permanent dental fixtures, like your denture, crown or bridge. Over time, these items can become loose or adjustments may need to be made, such as having the device refitted, adjusted, reshaped, and/or resized.
Gum disease is another serious issue that we look for during our assessment.
We will examine the jaw and your bite to determine if there are any issues there that may be negatively impacting your health. Dr. Huynh is able to conduct a quick but efficient exam to check for oral cancer, feeling around the throat, below the jaw, as well as the interior, roof, and floor of the mouth.
Our dental team will also conduct a thorough examination of your gums, an often-overlooked area during daily brushing.
Gum disease is marked by deep pockets, gaps between the tooth and the gum. Our team uses a periodontal probe to measure the spacing between the tooth and the gums – the deeper the pocket, the unhealthier the gums are.
Depending on your exam, additional tests may be deemed necessary in order to identify or rule out any particular conditions. Of the diagnostic procedures available, X-rays (or radiographs) are the most commonly needed.
There are 5 main types of dental X-rays:
- Bitewing – focusing on crowns of both upper and lower jaws
- Periapical – bone-focused, looking at the tooth both above and below gum line
- Occlusal – taken when the mouth is closed to ensure that the entire bite is seen.
- Panoramic – a wide angle shot to show off the mouth in its entirety.
- Cone beam computerized tomography – a revolutionary technology that produces a 3-D portrait focuses on the spacing of all teeth
These tests, although comprehensive, are typically ordered at different times.
While the radiation is relatively low for these types of X-rays, Dr. Huynh and his team choose to err on the side of caution, ordering only what is unnecessary in order to reduce unnecessary exposure.
It’s important, however, to note that oral health is not just limited to your gums and teeth.
Swelling and redness in other areas, like your tongue, throat, or face, can also be indicative of disease and are signs to consult our office immediately.
That’s why a dental cleaning is so important.
Once the examination is complete, the second part of your appointment will be dedicated to a thorough, professional cleaning, also known as oral prophylaxis.
We use a gritty substance to polish each tooth before flossing, painlessly handling the removal of all stains and bacteria. Fluoride, a natural mineral, may also be utilized in order to strengthen the teeth and prevent future cavities.
Be prepared to discuss your medical history, to include any health issues and all medications currently or recently taken. For example, diabetes is commonly linked to gum disease, and dry mouth can advance tooth decay.
These are all things that Dr. Huynh and his team at Eastport Dental in Mesa need to know in order to properly and accurately diagnose and treat each patient.
Through honest discussions about diet and oral hygiene habits, as well as things like nicotine or alcohol, we are able to become better acquainted with your needs.
It’s important to be honest so that we know how best to help you; we can make recommendations on how to reduce or mitigate damages, whether it’s through specific techniques or daily habits that can make all the difference.
At Eastport Dental, we’re on your side, and together we’ll pave the perfect path to better health! Let us be your dentist in Mesa and you will see and feel the difference.
