Receiving regular dental checkups twice a year is essential to your dental health. These visits give us a chance to examine a patient’s teeth for any problems or issues that may have developed. They also allow us to thoroughly clean the teeth and remove any buildups that are difficult for a patient to access on their own. Additionally, a patient who receives a complete checkup will know exactly where they stand in terms of their oral health, and they will experience freshened breath for many months to follow.
Every regular checkup at Independent Dental Care includes a full examination, a professional cleaning, digital X-rays (when necessary) and an oral cancer screening.
Full Examination
During a full examination, we will thoroughly check your entire oral cavity to detect any problems or issues that have arisen since your last checkup. In the event that any discoveries are made, we will make recommendations for treatment. Some of the dental issues that are commonly discovered through a full examination include cavities, tooth decay, tooth shifts and gum disease.
Professional Cleaning
The professional cleaning is one of the most important parts of a dental checkup. This process involves using dental tools to scrape away any tartar and plaque that is present on the teeth. Our hygienist is always careful to use a gentle touch during this process so that the patient remains comfortable. The teeth are then cleansed, polished and flossed to provide a deep cleaning and a sensation of oral freshness for the patient.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays go beyond what can be accomplished with a full examination. Using special radiography devices, we can take a look at the hidden areas of the patient’s mouth. Any images that are taken can be conveniently uploaded to a monitor for easy viewing. If we make any findings, we can quickly share them with the patient. This makes digital X-rays a highly effective method for detecting any serious dental issues that are present. Some of the dental health issues that are commonly detected through digital X-rays include tooth decay, gum disease, jawbone deterioration, cysts and oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a key component of any dental checkup. The best way to provide effective treatment for oral cancer is to catch the condition as early as possible. That is why we perform an oral cancer screening during every dental checkup. Our experts will check the patient’s tongue, face, gums, throat and soft oral tissues for the presence of cancer.
It’s very important everyone receives regular dental checkups. If you’re overdue for a checkup, then it’s time for you to make a visit to Independent Dental Care. Please call us at (239) 437-8900 to schedule an appointment.