Getting Ready For Your Next Dental Check-Up

12 October 2021

The way to avoid serious dental problems is to take charge of things proactively. Your dentist likes to see you every once in a while for a check-up and a professional cleaning and it's not just because they miss you. If it's been a minute since your last cleaning or you've been quarantined for far too long, read on and be prepared to make the most of your next appointment.

Fight the Good Fight Against Infection

Your dentist's office was probably extremely spotless before the COVID19 virus began to spread. Now, you could find that sanitation practices have been taken to a new level. In most cases, a cleaning procedure is not likely to cause an infection. However, certain groups of people may have more reason to worry. If you have an autoimmune condition, an artificial joint, a pacemaker, or have other medical conditions that might make you more vulnerable to infection, ask your dentist for an antibiotic prescription and take it for a few days prior to your appointment.

Do A Bit of Family Tree Research

Just as a lot of medical issues, a few dental conditions tend to be inherited. Ask your parents and grandparents about their dental history and it might provide you with some insight on what to expect with your check-up. Take a look at these very common dental maladies that can run in the family:

• The sizes of your teeth, the shape, and your bite. If your parents had orthodontia, you might need it too.
• A tendency to have sensitive teeth, discolorations, and more cavities than normal.
• Teeth-grinding (bruxism).
• Gum infections (abscesses) and diseases like gingivitis.

And more.

Get Used to the Routine

It might be helpful for a review of what to expect when you arrive at the dental office.

1. First, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar using sharp instruments. They use care, however, not to cause you any discomfort.
2. The hygienist finishes up by brushing, polishing, and rinsing your teeth and mouth.
3. In most cases, next comes the X-rays. However, many dentists now use tiny cameras to digitally map your teeth and lasers to detect cavities.
4. Once the dentist reviews the images and the hygienist's report, it's time for a consultation.
5. If you need work done, such as a filling or other things, the dentist will discuss that with you.
6. Next, a printout of work that needs to be done (and, in some cases, the costs so you can budget for it) and your next appointment is booked.

The key to a good dental check-up is to identify problems that are at the easily manageable stage. Speak to your dentist to find out more.