A dental exam every few months is essential for keeping smiles of all ages healthy and strong. We recommend them to help diagnose problems early on, and to take steps to lower the risk of common issues like tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Brookfield, WI, family dentist talks about our approach to dental checkups and cleanings.
When to Undergo a Dental Checkup
You need a dental exam at least once every six months. Serious oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease don’t form overnight, so checking in with your dentist every few months means a chance to catch these issues in their earliest stages, protecting you from painful symptoms or issues that complicate the stability of your smile. We recommend these visits for the whole family, starting as early as age two.
Our Use of Technology
To make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, our team will examine the teeth using advanced digital technology. For example, our digital x-rays use less radiation and don’t require the use of bitewings. These images are high-definition and allow us to better examine the smile. We then create a personalized treatment plan to address the concerns we discover. During your checkup, we typically look for signs of tooth decay, infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. For kids, we make sure the teeth are erupting properly and that the smile is developing correctly. For adults, we can also screen for oral cancer.
Cleaning Your Teeth
In the same visit, we will also clean the teeth. A dental cleaning involves removing all plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick. The process only takes a few minutes, but can help fight the onset of tooth decay and gingivitis. The procedure also helps fight bad breath and teeth stains too. Again, this procedure benefits patients of all ages! If you have warning signs of gingivitis or gum disease, such as sore, red, or bleeding gums, we could also discuss a deep cleaning to help reverse gingivitis to bring your developing gum disease into a manageable state that protects your smile from tooth loss.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants can help kids and adults avoid the onset of tooth decay by providing a protective barrier for the rear teeth. For kids and those with dexterity concerns, reaching the molars when brushing and flossing is difficult. But sealants help prevent food and drink particles from being trapped in this area, lowering your cavity risk.
Talk to Your Brookfield, WI, Dentist About Your Next Exam
A routine dental exam can help protect the health and beauty of your smile. To learn or schedule your next visit, please contact our team at our Brookfield, WI, office by calling (414) 771-1228.