What to expect at a routine dental visit
- Posted on: Jun 15 2020
Both adults and children may experience some dental anxiety. However, fretting about what to expect during a routine dental visit will give some patients unneeded anxiety. In fact, it is reported by the CDC that approximately 40% of adults do not see their dentist regularly—and for some of this, it is due to fear of the unknown!
Patients who do not go to the dentist on a regular basis may be unaware of what is done during the routine dental visits patients should attend every six months. To maintain a healthy smile, brushing and flossing at home aren’t always enough. It is important that both children and adults seek dental evaluations on a regular basis to monitor for changes in the mouth and provide necessary dental work.
Here is what you can expect to happen during your routine dental visit:
- Dental x-rays. One of the most valuable tools at a dentist’s disposal is the dental x-ray. Dental x-rays give the dentist and his team the ability to visualize what is going on underneath the gum line. It can help the dentist determine the position of developing teeth in his youngest patients while assessing the amount of bone available for dental implants for adults. X-rays assist with the diagnosis of many dental conditions.
- Oral examination. During a physical examination by both the dental hygienists and the dentist, our professionals will look for signs of problems. This includes evaluating the smile for decay, pocket development, and bite alignment.
- Oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth and is just as important to diagnose and treat as any other type of cancer in the body. Oral cancer screenings involve an evaluation of the mouth to look for sores that may be of concern prior to obtaining a biopsy.
- Scaling and polishing. A quick, deep cleaning of the teeth is performed by the dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and calculus. At the same time, certain treatments may also be applied to the teeth, including sealant application or fluoride treatment.
- Home instruction. Patients are educated by our team on the best way to brush and floss the teeth for maintaining their newly cleaned smile. Patients can take this time to ask questions about their home care in between dental visits with Dr. James A. Oshetski.
Connect with Dr. James A. Oshetski today
If you are due for a routine evaluation but are considering a new dental team for your family, connect with Dr. James A. Oshetski of Brunswick, ME. His front office team can be reached at (207) 729-1159 and is located at 14 Maine Street, Ste. #409.
Posted in: Dental Examinations and Cleanings
