With the change of the season, you may be busy with your spring cleaning. Don’t forget to get your teeth cleaned, too, during this time. As a general rule, you should visit your dentist every six months. These checkups help detect common dental problems early so that they do not have a chance to progress further. Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, offers comprehensive preventive care that can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
What Is Included In Your Checkup
You should see your dentist twice a year, or more often if recommended. These visits include cleaning and examination, and may take around 30 minutes to one hour. During the cleaning, the hygienist will use special tools to thoroughly clean your oral cavity. They will remove plaque buildup, floss between your teeth, and may polish them as well. These steps help give your pearly whites a deeper clean and can reduce the risk of cavities developing.
After the cleaning, you will have an examination. This may be done as a visual examination, or your dentist may take X-rays and use intraoral cameras to get a closer look at your smile. They will check for signs of decay, gum disease, alignment problems, and more. If you have noticed any changes in your oral health or sleep habits, this is a great time to bring them up. Your dentist can ask about your symptoms and examine your oral cavity for other signs. These checkups can help diagnose problems from decay to sleep disorders. Then, a treatment can be created to address your symptoms.
Getting Started With Restorations And Other Treatments
If any concerns are noticed during your checkup, your dentist will discuss them with you and talk about treatment options. These plans will vary depending on the concern and your unique needs. For instance, if you have a cavity, they may schedule a filling to restore your tooth. If the decay is more severe, they may recommend that a root canal treatment is done instead. These restorations can prevent the need for emergency care in the future.
Your dentist can also help treat problems like bruxism, TMJ, and even snoring. Problems such as snoring may seem like a minor inconvenience to you, but it can have a negative impact on your health. Your dentist can help determine if the issue is snoring or more serious, like sleep apnea. Then, a helpful treatment, such as an oral appliance can be created to help reduce your symptoms.
Checkups are also a good time to discuss cosmetic concerns with your team. If your teeth and gums are healthy but your smile does not appear as vibrant as you would like, cosmetic treatments may be able to improve this.
Come In For Your Checkup Today
Dental checkups help keep your oral health in good condition. To schedule an appointment, call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.