Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
It's easy to overlook your oral care, especially as an adult. With so much else about which to worry, your teeth and gums are often left neglected. However, regular dental care is an easy way to drastically boost your oral care without much effort or money. If you would like to know more about regular dental visits, keep reading.
It Includes Cleaning, Visual Exams, and X-Rays
Regular dental visits consist of routine exams and cleanings. Most patients receive a standard cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, including along the gumline. Older adults (especially those with poor gum health) may need deep cleaning. While regular cleanings don't require Novocain, a deep cleaning can cause mild irritation because the dentist removes debris from below the gumline, so your dentist may recommend a local anesthetic.
Your dentist also visibly examines your teeth to look for signs of decay, infection, or irritation. This may include measuring the pockets or the gaps between teeth and gums. Larger pockets can indicate gum disease, and it's easy for food particles to get trapped in larger pockets.
Finally, your dentist will also recommend routine X-rays to better monitor your teeth. The X-rays show the dentist inside the tooth's crown, but it also gives a peek at the tooth's roots.
It Prevents Future Complications
The best reason to visit your dentist regularly is that it prevents future complications. Cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, which cause decay and infection. Plaque is easily washed away with water, saliva, brushing, and flossing, but tartar should only be removed by trained professionals to prevent damage to the enamel.
In addition, your dentist can recommend steps to take if your teeth are showings signs of thinning enamel, such as brushing more often, changing your diet, or changing to fluoride toothpaste. Besides thinning enamel, your dentist may spot early signs of gum disease, tooth infection, tooth loss, and even oral cancer.
If your general dentist does spot something problematic, such as a tooth infection, they may need to refer you to a specialist like an endodontist. Similarly, if you have advanced gum disease with severe symptoms, your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist.
It's Often Fully Covered by Dental Insurance
The best part of regular dental care is that it is often fully cored by your dental insurance because it is considered preventative. Many plans even waive the deductible for preventative services, so patients are more inclined to visit the dentist to prevent expensive future problems.
Most plans, however, have limitations. For example, most plans only cover two cleanings a year, and they may have to be at least six months apart. X-rays are covered, but there may be limits on the number of views and how often X-rays can be performed.
Your general dentist can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. They may even spot major complications before they arise. If you would like to know more, contact a general dentistry office in your area today.
Share16 June 2022
