The Importance of Dental Care
Regular trips to the dentist can serve as a preventive measure for patients looking to detect tooth decay early, before serious treatment must be used. Further, with routine inspection, patients can alleviate concerns over gum tissues and periodontal diseases, while at the same time building a dental record of consistent, thorough examinations. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact our Philadelphia cosmetic dentistry center.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A complete dental examination typically includes an examination of the mouth’s soft tissue, a periodontal disease screening, and a thorough evaluation of existing cavities, fillings and crowns. The patient’s soft tissue is examined in order to check for potential cancerous or precancerous changes in the gums and surrounding areas, including inside the cheeks, the back of the throat, beneath the tongue and the palate. If a patient is a frequent tobacco user, this may increase the likelihood of oral cancer, and make regular visits to the dentist more of a necessity. Most often during dental exams, dentists will take X-rays to examine the insides of the teeth, to check for the presence of cavities in places that the eye cannot see, and to assess potential bone loss beneath the gum line.
When to Schedule Your Exams
In general, patients should make a trip to the dentist for a routine examination and cleaning every six months, without letting the time between visits extend to more than a year. This allows consistent oral hygiene to be maintained with the removal of plaque and tartar. Any problems with the mouth or teeth can be detected before they become serious, painful, or expensive to correct. Healthy patients may consider making a visit to the dentist annually. This is especially if they find few issues occur. Most dentists recommend simple X-rays be taken annually. If a patient notices problems such as bleeding, soreness, tooth or earaches, for example, then more frequent trips to the dentist should be made.
Other Options to Maximize Your Smile
In addition to regular exams and preventitive care, cosmetic dentistry treatments can further enhance your smile. For example, teeth whitening can create a dramatically brighter smile, while porcelain veneers can provide a remarkable smile makeover. Together, general and cosmetic dentistry treatments can help patients achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles.