What a Dental Check-up Can Reveal About Your Teeth and Gums

Dental Checkup Gainesville, VA

A simple dental check-up visit is an easy and non-invasive procedure, and it can save you money in the long term by catching issues before they worsen. The primary purpose of a dental check-up is to ensure that there are no issues with the teeth or gums that could put the patient’s long-term oral health in jeopardy. 

The purpose of a dental check-up for teeth and periodontal health

The following review discusses what a dentist can find during a dental check-up visit. The earlier that a patient can detect issues with their oral health, the easier it is to treat the concern,s which is why dentists recommend a dental check-up for patients every four to six months. 

What is a dental check-up?

A dental check-up is a common dental visit that allows the dentist to check for any signs of oral health complications. During the procedure, the dentist examines every tooth and in between the teeth to see the depth of the gum pockets. They also check on the patient’s periodontal health and look for bone loss in the jaw, gum erosion, and other signs of a progressive (or mild) form of periodontal disease. 

Why is a dental check-up important?

The purpose of a dental check-up is to determine if there have been any changes in the patient’s oral health. Patients are recommended to visit two or three times a year, so dentists can be familiar with the patient's oral health and detect any concerns that may indicate that an issue could develop. For example, a dentist may find that the enamel is starting to weaken on the patient’s premolars and molars, so they may prescribe fluoride treatment and help educate the patient on ways that they can strengthen the enamel through improvements in their oral care routine.

What concerns can a dental check-up reveal?

The dentist checks all areas of the teeth and gums during a routine dental check-up. Examples of issues that they may find include:

  • Weakened enamel
  • Dental cavities
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Worn-down teeth
  • Severe teeth stains
  • Deep gum pockets
  • Swollen or sensitive gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bone loss in the jaw
  • Signs of TMJ disorder
  • Signs of oral cancer

Every patient is unique, and dentists understand how to evaluate each patient individually and detect concerns as early as possible to allow for less invasive (and less costly) treatment. Ideally, the dentist can detect issues before they arise and focus their efforts on preventive dentistry, rather than restorative care. In addition to the oral examination, the dentist may order dental X-rays once every one or two years. 

Has it been six months since your last dental check-up?

It is important to visit the dentist every four to six months for a dental check-up. This ensures that there are no concerns that go undetected. Call us today if you would like to schedule a check-up visit and dental cleaning to protect your teeth and gums from damage.

Request an appointment here: https://princewilliamdental.com or call Prince William Dental at (703) 662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Gainesville, VA.

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