Routine dental examinations are an essential part of good oral hygiene. They allow your dentist the opportunity to inspect your teeth, gums and other areas of your mouth, checking for any problems you may be experiencing. Many issues which affect your teeth can be almost imperceptible and the trained eye of a dental professional may be required to spot them. Things like minor cavities, impacted teeth, gum disease and other oral health concerns may be present for some time without you realising.
Typically, dental issues that are left untreated will continue to worsen, eventually developing into a much more severe situation. Anybody who has had the misfortune of suffering from toothache can attest that it is not a pleasant experience! So, allowing your teeth to go unchecked is certainly not something we recommend. As well as the potential of excruciating pain, ignoring your dental issues will mean that the treatment will be more costly when you finally seek a solution. As you can imagine, a small filling for a minor cavity is a much quicker and lower-priced procedure than tooth extraction and replacement for teeth that are beyond repair.
What Happens During a Routine Dental Examination?
A routine dental examination is typically a quick and straightforward experience. It will begin with a brief chat about how you have been feeling and whether your teeth have been giving you any cause for concern since your last visit. This is followed by the dentist inspecting the inside of your mouth, examining your teeth and gums for signs of any issues. If everything looks to be in good order – excellent! You’ll be informed of when you are due to return for your next one and can be swiftly on your way.
If, however, your dentist identifies something that requires a bit more attention, they may carry out some additional examination. During a routine dental examination this is unlikely to be anything major and will usually consist of an x-ray, minor treatment or some other form of test. If you require further treatment your dentist will explain to you what the problem is and what type of procedure is necessary to treat it, as well as letting you know about any associated costs. You will then arrange a future appointment to return for the planned treatment.
I Brush and Floss Every Day – Do I Still Need a Routine Dental Examination?
Even if you brush, floss and generally follow every recommended practice for keeping good oral hygiene, it is still possible to develop problems. Therefore, it is best to visit your local dental practice for regular routine dental examinations. This allows them to monitor not only your teeth and gums, but also the other areas of your mouth for any signs which may point towards a potential issue.
If you haven’t had a routine dental examination for a while, the best time to arrange your next one is right now. Whether you have dental problems that you are aware of and have just been putting off getting checked, or you believe your teeth to be in perfect condition, contact The Parkstone Dental Practice today to book your routine dental examination.