General Dentistry FAQ: What Does a Dentist Look for at a Checkup?

General dentistry visits are critical for a person’s oral health, regardless of age. If it has been a while since you have seen your dentist, make sure you get into the habit right away. You may not be familiar with what will take place during a routine appointment. The more you understand about these checkups, the more comfortable you will feel about going. You can also feel positive about taking care of your dental needs.

When and why general dentistry checkups should occur

Like any aspect of a person’s health, dental care is vital. Checkups should begin early in life, from the time a child starts getting teeth. From this point, visits should happen at least every six months. People with glaring dental problems such as severe decay or gum disease may need to come into the office more frequently.

A dental exam is vital to diagnose and treat problematic oral health concerns. Without these visits, a person may not know they have certain conditions. These issues could become more significant and lead to other health problems. Going to the dentist regularly also establishes good habits for life.

Cavity check

A general dentistry visit allows the dentist and hygienist to look for signs of tooth decay. The hygienist will first take X-rays to detect cavities that will not be evident in a hands-on exam. Later in the appointment, the dentist will use a dental probe to feel for holes in the tooth. If the dentist spots any cavities by doing any of these, there will be a discussion on how to treat the issues.

Gum health check

A set of healthy gums is just as important for a person’s oral wellness as healthy teeth. To do this, the hygienist will look for swelling or bleeding of this tissue while cleaning it. The hygienist will check for gum recession as well. The dentist may look for pockets of bacteria and plaque buildup at the gumline.

Worn teeth or other damage

While examining the patient for cavities, the general dentistry staff will check for other problems with the teeth. Common issues include worn teeth, which can happen with patients who clench or grind their teeth. Other damage such as chips, fractures, or cracks may also be evident. Some of these may be minor concerns that require no attention, though treatment might be essential with some damage.

Other concerns

During an examination in a general dentistry office, the patient can expect a thorough checkup. The dentist will also look at the person’s neck and face for abnormalities. The dentist can also look for bite dysfunctions. Some dentists will regularly keep an eye out for signs of oral cancer.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Jackson Heights, NY

A complete evaluation of oral health

Ignoring visits to the general dentistry office can have detrimental effects. Do not put off trips to the dentist’s office for any reason. There is nothing to be nervous about when you have a checkup. You can have peace of mind to know that the dentist has your interests in mind.

Request an appointment or call 82nd St. Dental at 718-709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry: 4 Daily Habits For Your Oral Health Recommended By A Dentist

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth strong. From using the correct oral care products to seeking a general dentist regularly, there are plenty of steps you can take to achieve a healthy smile. Here are four daily habits that you should implement into your daily routine.Brushing your teeth is one of…

What A General Dentist Wants You To Know About Using Fluoride

Fluoride is a preventative measure that your general dentist uses to help protect your teeth between visits. It is also an ingredient in toothpaste that can give added protection. One of the most hotly debated topics surrounding toothpaste and tooth brushing is whether or not you should be using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Using toothpaste with…

Daily Toothbrushing Tips From A General Dentist

Your general dentist is here to provide some information about how to best take care of your teeth. Dental health and hygiene are essential to the overall health and wellness of your body. Without healthy teeth and gums, you will be unable to take in the nutrients and proteins necessary for your body to thrive…

82nd St. Dental

Share
Published by
82nd St. Dental

Recent Posts

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: Recommended Daily Oral Regiment

According to the American Dental Association, over 120 million people in the U.S. are missing…

2 days ago

Tooth Replacement With Partial Dentures

A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy…

1 week ago

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: How to Extend the Life of Your Partial Denture

For patients who want to replace a damaged or lost tooth without undergoing invasive dental…

1 week ago

When to Repair a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth

Millions of Americans have a partial denture for one missing tooth. Partial dentures are similar…

2 weeks ago

Can a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth Improve My Speech?

Missing even a single tooth can have an impact on a person’s ability to pronounce…

3 weeks ago

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: What Type of Materials Are Used?

Patients in need of a partial denture for one missing tooth have many options to…

1 month ago