With 9 Convenient Locations in the Phoenix Area
Frequency – Our dental team recommends that all patients return to the office for dental checkups at least once every six months.
Monitor the Smile – By scheduling regular appointments and cleanings, our dental team will be able to monitor the smile for any signs of concern.
Patient Education – Patients will also be taught what they can do to prevent these issues during checkups.
If a patient is having a dental checkup for the first time, or if they have not been to the dentist in a while, they often find themselves wondering what a dental checkup is. During this routine appointment, a dental professional will check the smile, teeth, and gums for infection, decay, and disease, such as cavities or periodontitis (gum disease).
At some point during the checkup, they will also be given guidance on home care. This allows them to keep their smile in the best shape possible between checkups.
1. Dental Cleaning
During a dental cleaning, the dental professional removes plaque, a bacterial buildup, by gently scraping above and below the gum line. Flossing between teeth may cause slight discomfort for irregular flossers, but it improves with regular practice. The cleaning concludes with teeth polishing using a spinning brush and paste, preventing plaque buildup and maintaining a smooth, shiny appearance. Patients are usually asked to rinse with mouthwash for a fresh finish.
2. Dental Examination
During a dental visit, the dentist discusses the patient’s dental history, medications, allergies, and concerns. Honesty is vital for personalized care. The dentist examines the mouth with a mirror, checking for issues like swelling, sores, gum recession, tooth decay, and dental pockets. These pockets can indicate gum disease, and the dentist may recommend at-home care and monitoring for overall oral health.
3. Dental X-Rays
New patients and those who have not had them done in a while will be asked to have dental X-rays taken of their mouth at their dental checkup. These X-rays are important because they allow dentists to check the roots beneath the gum line, which are otherwise inaccessible. For the X-rays, the patient will bite down on a piece of plastic that is placed between their teeth. A machine will be placed near their cheek to take the image. Their dentist will then review the image to check for any dental concerns.
