What To Expect From A Dental Check-Up

A visit to the dentist doesn’t have to be something to dread. Our esteemed team of dental professionals and oral hygienists aim to ensure that your routine visit to Swedish Dental is as welcoming and comfortable as possible.

For some, a visit to the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing, nerve-wracking experience. But just by making it to the chair, you are closer to better overall health, and you’ll be smiling with more confidence. This article will provide a guide on what to expect from your twice-annual dental visit to make you more comfortable and know what to expect.

Why do you need a dental check-up?

A dental check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. Leaving issues untreated could make them more challenging to treat in the future, so it’s best to deal with problems early or, if possible, prevent them altogether.

Generally, the lower your risk of dental problems, the longer you can wait before your next check-up. So people with good oral health will probably need to attend only once every 12 to 24 months, but those with more problems will require regular check-ups.

What to expect from a dental check-up?

A dental check-up and a dental exam are often used interchangeably. However, some people distinguish that a hygienist handles the dental check-up while a dentist is responsible for the dental exam. The exam is more technical and requires the expertise of a dentist.

A hygienist or a certified dental assistant will begin your dental check-up with a teeth cleaning that includes the following:

Take X-rays if needed
Diagnose decayed teeth, inflammation in the gum or periodontitis
Using various tools and instruments, they will remove or scrape tartar and plaque from around your gum line and the surface of your teeth.
Polish your teeth
Report their findings to the dentist if needed.

X-rays

It is routine for your dentist and dental hygienist to carry out x-rays if it´s indicated, on occasion, during your dental check-up. X-rays allow your dentist/hygienist not only to identify existing problems that might not be visible during a routine dental examination yet but to be aware of any problems that may present in the future.

In adults, x-rays can identify dental decay, impacted teeth, jawbone damage, cysts, tumours and abscesses. X-rays taken of children’s mouths will allow the dentist to see where the adult teeth will grow in.

Your dentist will decide which type of x-ray you need and explain why you are receiving an x-ray and how the x-ray works. Your dentist or dental assistant will set the machine up and leave the room before taking the x-ray to ensure your dentist doesn’t get too much exposure to the machine. Your dentist will only take x-rays when they believe it to be necessary.

After your teeth have been cleaned, your dentist will perform an exam if needed:

Examine your gums, soft palate, throat and neck, checking for any abnormalities
Examine jaw muscles
Review any X-rays that may have been taken
Recommend any additional dental work you might need to maintain oral health
Discuss your overall oral health and habits

How much does a dental check-up cost?

The cost of a dental check-up depends on your dental plan and how much work is done during your visit. For example, routine teeth cleaning may be covered, depending on your dental plan. If a dentist recommends additional dental work, they will provide you with an estimate of the cost ahead of time.

A First or Non-Routine Visit

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the dentist, you can expect the same care as a routine visit. Patient appointments and visits after more than a couple of years have passed usually require X-rays. The dentist wants a complete look at what’s going on inside your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structures.

Plan to hang in there for a deep cleaning session with the hygienist. The longer you wait between visits, the more hard tartar buildup on teeth and around the gumline. (If your teeth are sensitive, talk to the hygienist or dentist about numbing options to lessen pain before the work starts.) Having tartar removed can be uncomfortable, but the clean, smooth feel of your teeth after and the fact you’ll walk out with fresher breath is very much worth it.

What if something is wrong with my teeth?

Your dentist will tell you right away if your dental exam reveals anything unusual. Then, they may recommend additional procedures or refer you to a specialist. For example, if you would like your teeth straightened, a dentist may refer you to an orthodontist specialising in that kind of dentistry.

How often do I need a dental check-up?

Getting a dental check-up at least once a year can help maintain the overall health of your teeth and mouth and help identify any problems early. A build-up of tartar can cause long-term issues. To avoid any dental issues that require expensive procedures, consider getting at least one dental check-up and dental exam each year.

If you have a dental plan, make sure you know what’s covered for dental care. Dental costs vary depending on what work you need to be done and the type of dental insurance you have. You can start taking control of the expenses by learning ahead of time what kind of dental procedures and treatments your plan covers.