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Haven’t Been to the Dentist in a While?

December 12, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — bluffcreekteam @ 12:23 pm
man sitting in dentist chair

Statistics show that while two-thirds of Americans have dental insurance, only 58% of the adult population maintain regular visits for cleanings and examinations. The people who fail to receive semi-annual preventive care are more susceptible to a host of oral health issues and, in some cases, they can be subject to a decline in their overall health. As you continue reading, you’ll learn about some specific issues that six-month visits to your dentist can help you avoid and what to expect at your first appointment.

Why Preventive Care is So Important

It’s recommended that you visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations because it provides a way to catch any new developments before they can become worse. While it may seem that your teeth and gums are perfectly fine, a cavity can develop for months, or even years, before you recognize any signs of it.

There are other problems that can be lurking as well, like gum disease and oral cancer. Additionally, dental negligence can contribute to heart disease, hypertension and other serious conditions.

By maintaining regular visits to your dentist, though, you can make your life easier. The sooner any developing issue is addressed, the less suffering you’ll have to endure, more complex forms of care can be avoided, and you can save money in the long run. Better yet, the typical visit only takes around an hour to complete.

What Happens at Your First Visit?

Here are a few things you can expect to happen at an initial visit to your dentist:

Meeting Your Dental Hygienist

Your dental hygienist will get the process started by taking your vital signs. He or she will also answer any initial questions you may have about the proceedings so you can feel comfortable and relaxed.

The Cleaning and First Examination

After cleaning your teeth to remove any stubborn plaque and tartar, the dental hygienist will then perform a careful examination to identify any signs of cavities or gum disease.

X-Rays

Your dentist will use the first visit to establish a baseline for your oral health. Thus, X-Ray images will be taken to assess the height of your teeth and roots, and to get an overview of your entire oral cavity.

Final Examination

Your dentist will perform a final examination to probe for signs of oral cancer, malocclusion (bite issues) and to assess your jaw alignment.

A Judgment-Free Consultation

The visit will conclude with you sitting down with your dentist to discuss the results of your examination. What’s great about these chats is that you don’t have to worry about being chastised or ridiculed about the condition of your oral health. Instead, your dentist will work with you to formulate a plan of action to correct any issues so that your teeth and gums can be as strong and healthy as possible. So if you’ve been slacking on maintaining dental visits, today is the day to take action by scheduling your first appointment!

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. A member of the Academy of General Dentistry and other professional organizations, he helps his patients maintain excellent oral health by performing six-month checkups and cleanings at Bluff Creek Dental. Dr. Crowley can be reached for more information through his website.

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