Table of contents
What Is a Dental Checkup?
A dental checkup is a comprehensive dental exam where our dentist will check the condition of your mouth and look for any signs of changes to your oral health since your last visit. It is non-invasive and painless, as no treatment will be provided unless it is an emergency and you are experiencing pain.
These visits are important for protecting your oral health, especially as small changes can cause few, if any, symptoms but can be more easily treated when detected earlier.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups can provide multiple benefits, including:
- Detecting and preventing small issues from developing into major problems.
- Detecting oral cancer at an earlier stage.
- Protecting overall health, as it is closely linked to poor oral health.
- Improve self-confidence because you know your smile will be healthy and well-maintained.
- Regular visits can help to reduce any dental anxieties and fears.
These regular dental exams also provide a great opportunity for us to get to know you and your family, and to better understand your oral health needs and concerns.
It’s an opportunity for us to build a respectful relationship with you, and to ensure you have a dental home where you feel safe and comfortable receiving treatment.
What Happens during a Dental Checkup?
Your dental checkup is straightforward, and the following is a general outline of what to expect.
Step One: Reviewing Your Medical and Dental History
Before we begin examining your mouth, we will want to review your medical history and learn about any changes since your last visit. If you have started taking new medications, please bring a list with you so we can update our records.
We will also briefly review your dental history. These reviews are essential to ensure that any treatment we recommend as a result of this visit is safe and suitable for your needs.
Step Two: Visual Dental Exam
Our dentist will visually examine your teeth, checking them individually for any signs of soft spots in your tooth enamel or lesions that could indicate the beginning of a cavity. Every tooth is examined for chips or cracks, as any breach in tooth enamel can increase the risk of cavities.
We carefully check the condition of your gums for any signs of gum disease and look for any other issues that could require treatment.
Our dentist will examine the way your teeth bite together and check any existing restorations for signs of wear and tear.
Step Three: Digital Dental X-Rays
We will need to take X-rays of your teeth periodically to monitor their health. This is to check for any signs of cavities between teeth and to assess the bone levels around your teeth.
If we identify a problem during your visual dental examination, we will take an X-ray to assess the situation further. Digital dental X-rays are extremely safe, and a heavy lead apron will protect you from radiation.
Step Four: Oral Cancer Screening
Adults should have regular oral cancer screenings, but you may not need one at every dental visit. The screening aims to identify any suspicious changes to your oral tissues and signs of lesions that may require further investigation.
It is another quick and non-invasive test; for more detailed information, please visit the dedicated webpage for oral cancer screenings.
Step Five: Dentist Discussion
Once we complete our dental exam, we will discuss our findings with you. If you require any treatment, we will provide a customized plan and explain it to you in detail, including the reasons why it’s necessary, how it will benefit your oral health, and the estimated costs.
We always welcome questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask our dental team if you have any queries about your oral health or would like advice on maintaining healthy teeth and gums at home.
Other Preventive Dental Care Treatments May Be Offered
After examining your teeth and gums, we may recommend additional preventive dental care treatments that we believe will be beneficial. These may include:
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.
- Custom sports mouthguards to wear during sporting activities.
- Night guards to protect teeth from clenching and grinding (bruxism).
If we recommend any of these treatments, we can discuss the reasons and potential benefits for your oral health and provide a detailed breakdown of the associated costs.
How Often Should I Get a Dental Checkup?
Most healthy adults are advised to get a checkup every six months. However, if we believe you have a higher risk of developing cavities, gum disease, or other oral health conditions, we will recommend more frequent visits.
When you first visit our dental office, we will provide a customized plan outlining the recommended frequency of checkups. We strongly suggest sticking to the schedule because prevention is always better and more cost-effective than leaving a problem to worsen, at which point it could cause discomfort or pain.
Many of our patients schedule a dental checkup and hygiene appointment together, only needing to spend an hour in our dental practice every six months.
Signs You May Need a Dental Checkup
If you don’t have regular dental checkups, then you may have begun to notice some of the symptoms below, which include:
- Tooth pain during biting or chewing or at other times.
- Bleeding gums, especially during brushing and flossing.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Jaw pain or noticing your jaw makes a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth.
- Loose teeth or changes to your bite.
- Mouth sores that are failing to heal.
- Discolouration in your oral tissues, or rough patches.
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, we would encourage you to schedule your dental checkup with us at NYC Dentistry Center.
Dental Checkups for Children
Dental checkups are equally important for children as for adults. Although primary teeth may fall out after a few years, they must remain healthy and strong until the adult teeth are ready to erupt.
As a family-oriented practice, we welcome children and are extremely gentle when treating them. We strive to ensure that visits are enjoyable, and our team provides excellent dental education for parents on topics such as brushing and diet. As children grow, we work with them directly.
Early dental care can help children grow up with healthy, confident smiles and reduce their likelihood of developing dental fears and anxieties. By working together, we can help make this happen.
FAQs
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How Long Will a Dental Checkup Take?
A dental checkup can be completed within 30 minutes or less. If you need diagnostic tests, it may take a little longer.
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What If I Haven’t Seen a Dentist in Years?
There is no need to worry if you haven’t visited a dentist in years, as we welcome you to our practice. We know not everyone feels able to see a dentist regularly and provide respectful, gentle dental care.
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Will Dental Insurance Cover My Checkup?
Yes, almost certainly, as it is an important preventive dental treatment. However, the frequency of dental exam coverage can vary, and we can certainly check this for you when you contact us.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096