What to Expect at Your Next Dental Check-Up
Has it been a while since your last dental check-up and cleaning? If so, it’s...
Dental Exams and Routine Cleanings: The Foundation of a Healthy Smile
Even with good brushing and flossing, all patients must visit their dentist every six months for regular dental check-ups and cleanings. During these appointments, your dentist will remove unhealthy buildup and examine your mouth for any issues, most of which can go unnoticed without a trained eye.
Are you due for a dental check-up in Glendale, Arizona? Whether it’s been several years or you have never been to a dentist, welcome to Arrowhead Dentistry. No matter the state of your oral health, we never lecture or judge you. Our objective is to ensure you achieve the healthiest smile in a warm and inviting environment.
What does a dental exam involve?
Preventive care is the cornerstone of every healthy smile, and routine dental check-ups are a core part of that process. During your visit to our Glendale office, we focus on providing a personalized care experience.
Here’s what you can expect.
- Medical and dental history: Are you a first-time patient? We will begin by reviewing your medical history, including current medications, allergies, and general overall health. We’ll also discuss your dental history, including previous dental treatments and current oral health concerns.
- Visual examinations: Dr. John Upton will carefully inspect your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease, cavities, misalignments, worn-out restorations, cracks, and other issues.
- Oral Cancer Screening: This quick, non-invasive screening looks out for pre-cancerous and cancerous signs in your mouth. It helps detect oral cancer when it’s easy and less costly to treat.
- Digital X-rays: Digital X-rays offer clear images of your teeth, roots, and jawbone, enabling the detection of dental problems that are not visible to the naked eye. They can help identify issues such as cysts, tooth impaction, abscesses, bone loss, interproximal cavities, and other hidden problems.
If we spot any issues during your exam, we’ll discuss a treatment plan to restore your oral health. Whether you need a single treatment or a multi-step treatment, we’ll walk with you until you achieve your oral wellness goals.
What can I expect during a dental cleaning?
Although you brush and floss your teeth at home, you still need the help of a dentist. Plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas, leading to cavities, periodontal disease, bad breath, and other issues. During a cleaning, our skilled dental hygienist uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gum line. Then, we polish your teeth with a high-speed, rotating brush to remove surface stains.
What are the benefits of dental exams and cleanings?
Routine oral check-ups are the bedrock of preventive dental care. Without professional cleanings, dental plaque can calcify into tartar, which can lead to several oral health problems.
The benefits of routine dental check-ups and cleanings include:
- Prevention of gum disease and cavities
- Help maintain fresh breath
- Early detection of dental issues
- Save time and money
- Help maintain optimal systemic health
- Keep your smile beautiful and confident
Is it time to schedule a dental appointment?
When was the last time you saw a dentist? Has it been more than six months? If so, call (623) 878-6333 and schedule an appointment with Arrowhead Dentistry. We can’t wait to help you and your family achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.
