Here at Georgian Shores Dental Centre, we want to help you take good care of your teeth and gums so that you can enjoy optimal oral health. While regular brushing and flossing go a long way toward keeping your teeth clean and healthy, dental experts (including those on our team) strongly recommend making dental checkups a part of your routine as well–specifically, our team recommends having your teeth cleaned and examined by dental professionals once every 6 to 12 months. If you are visiting a dentist for the first time or you haven’t been in a while and need a reminder, here is a brief guide of what to expect from your dental checkup appointment.
- Cleaning. The first part of a dental checkup appointment consists of a thorough cleaning. Your hygienist will use various tools to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth, then follow that up by polishing your teeth to make sure they are well and truly clean. This phase of your appointment may also involve taking x-rays of your teeth to let the dentist check for tooth decay or other concerns. The hygienist will report any concerns to the dentist, who will then perform their own examination.
- Examination. The next part of a typical dental checkup consists of the dentist’s examination and follow-up discussion. After conferring with the hygienist, the dentist will inspect your teeth and gums, and possibly your soft palate, throat, and neck for any abnormalities. If you had x-rays taken, the dentist will also review those and discuss their findings with you. Your dentist will also use this time to talk about your dental hygiene habits and make recommendations for improvement, as well as discuss any further dental work you may need to maintain oral health.