The American Dental Associations strongly recommends visiting the dentist twice a year for your regular dental checkup and cleaning. This simple appointment is one of the biggest factors for maintaining good oral health.
The first half of your appointment usually consists of a basic clean up. During this cleaning your hygienist will use several different tools to remove plaque and tartar that has built up since your last cleaning. Tartar can be very hard for you to remove at home and left unchecked can lead to serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
During the cleaning your hygienist will also look for any possible signs of tooth decay and other problems by using a standard dental probe. Be sure to let them know if you have any issues or concerns about a particular tooth.
They will then polish your teeth with a mild abrasive polish and a rotary tool to remove mild surface staining. This is also a good time to ask about your tooth whitening options, if you have concerns about cosmetic or deeply stained teeth.
The dentist will then check your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or gum disease. This might include X-rays to assess other factors including bone health. The dentist will then perform a basic oral cancer screening, checking your tongue, throat, face, head and neck looking for any signs of infection, swelling or cancer.
If you are due for a regular dental visit please call our office at 603-444-2100 to schedule an appointment.