22 Jan Key Checks to Perform at Your Annual Dentist Appointments 

According to the World Economic Forum, oral diseases have increased by one billion over the past three decades. These conditions are largely preventable by practicing good oral health. A dental checkup is the best way to protect and enhance oral health. 

Dentist appointments should be on your top ten to-do list when coming up with your new year plans and is an excellent opportunity for the early detection of potential problems. This action can help you address minor issues before they get worse and difficult to treat. Let’s discover what happens during a dental appointment and what to expect. 

What to Expect at Annual Dentist Appointments 

Knowing what to expect during a dental appointment can help you feel less anxious. Some of the dental checks you can look forward to include: 

Visual Inspections 

One of our dentists will begin with a visual inspection of the mouth. It entails checking the following: 

• Teeth 

• Gum tissue 

• Cheek lining and tongue 

Our dentist will check for any cavities or indicators of tooth decay. We will also assess your gums for any sign of bleeding, swelling, or redness. These are the signs of gingivitis; a visual exam can help rule it out. 

You should inform our dentists of when you last had a dental checkup so that we understand if further tests are necessary. The number of tests you’ll need during a dental appointment depends on how often you visit the dentist. 

Diagnostic Imaging 

Digital imaging tests may be necessary to detect different oral conditions. For instance, X-rays can help diagnose tooth decay if it’s invisible to the naked eye such as in between teeth. One of our dentists can also perform panoramic X-rays to get an in-depth look at your mouth. 

These measures are essential for: 

• Identifying if there are any bone or jaw abnormalities 

• Checking the position and development of wisdom teeth 

• Singling out impacted teeth if there’s been an accident 

Imaging tests can also help assess the alignment of the lower and upper jaw. Misalignment is a common hereditary problem. So, make sure to have your children checked out by a dentist if you’ve experienced the same problem. 

X-rays and advanced diagnostic tests will only be necessary if there are any underlying issues. But you can ask for a comprehensive dental exam to be on the safe side. 

Professional Cleaning 

An annual dental appointment is the perfect chance for a professional deep teeth cleaning. We will use specialized tools to remove tartar and any plaque build-up. 

Removing plaque is often necessary, and our professionals use specialized tools to do it. It’s worth noting that regular brushing and flossing may not effectively address the problem. 

Our dentists may also polish your teeth to remove stains and smoothen the enamel. This solution is a suitable alternative to teeth whitening if you don’t have stubborn stains. 

A fluoride treatment can also be done to strengthen your enamel. Other reasons you may need this treatment include the following: 

• Supporting gum health 

• As a preventive measure against cavities 

• Reduces the risks that contribute to the onset of periodontal disease 

What Happens After a Dentist Appointment? 

Dentist appointments usually end after all the tests and routine procedures are over. Your dentist will likely advise you on what you can do to improve your oral health.  

Depending on the results of the tests, our dentists will inform you of any relevant findings of the examinations and propose an individualized treatment plan. 

Some of the steps that may follow include: 

• Getting referred to a specialist depending on the nature of the problem 

• Setting treatment goals 

• Planning for future care 

We may also discuss any lifestyle habits affecting oral health. For example, vaping has become very popular, especially among the younger demographic. But vaping is not recommended for your oral health despite the myth that it’s safer than cigarettes. 

How Often Should You Get a Dental Checkup? 

Annual dental appointments are now the norm for most American families. But you can set up more than one dental checkup in a year. Ideally, you should space out your dental checks at least six months apart. 

Nonetheless, depending on your oral health and hygiene practices, you can set more appointments. For instance, children may require more dental care than adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 50% of children by the age of nine have had cavities. 

Hence, setting a dentist appointment is crucial to protecting and enhancing oral health. Some of the signs you may be waiting too long for a dental checkup include: 

• Tooth pain 

• Excessive bleeding 

• Damage to the teeth 

Set Your Dentist Appointments Today 

Begin the year right by setting your dental appointments early. Getting preventive dental services and care can improve and protect your oral health all year long. Make it a family affair by booking appointments for your kids, too. 

At McIlwain Dental Specialists, we’re proud of having an inclusive environment that will make anyone feel at home. We develop individualized care plans that can specifically meet your needs. From special needs dentistry to pediatrics, we provide various services, including anxiety-sensitive dental care. 

Contact us today to book your appointment.