What to Expect at a Dental Visit

If you haven’t been to the dentist raleigh north carolina in a while, you may be wondering what to expect during a routine visit to the dentist. Generally, a visit will consist of a checkup and cleaning to ensure the health of the teeth, and to prepare for any additional services that may be required.

General Dentistry Visit

General dentistry is the field of dentistry that involves the fulfillment of services such as x-rays, cleanings, oral exams and other general services. Your general dentist will be able to provide these services, and possibly other services as well—such as cosmetic services like placing a dental crown or filling a cavity.

Checkups

During a routine checkup, your dentist will look at your gums, teeth, tongue, cheeks and even your jawbone. They will check for any decay, as well as any infection. They will also make sure that there are no cracks or chips in your teeth.

If it’s been a while since your last checkup, or if your dentist suspects that you may have damage below the gumline or to the jaw, they will likely perform x-rays. This will allow them to see beyond what they are able to see during an oral inspection.

If your teeth, gums, jawbone, cheeks and tongue are healthy, the dentist will not need to take any additional steps. If they do discover an oral health issue though, they will determine the next steps to resolve the issue. If it’s an issue that the general dentist can resolve, they will set an appointment with you to handle the issue. If they cannot, they will likely refer you to a specialist.

Cleanings

The other service that your general dentist will perform during a regularly scheduled visit is a cleaning. During this cleaning, your dentist will use special tools to remove any plaque, tartar or debris. They will also scrape below the gumline. Finally, they may floss and polish your teeth.

If the gums are infected, you may need to schedule a follow up appointment for a deep cleaning. This involves a thorough cleaning below the gumline.

Aftercare

It is extremely important to take proper care of your oral health between visits to the dentist. This includes brushing, flossing and rinsing out your mouth at least twice a day. Even with excellent at home care, though, you will still need to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

When to Visit the Dentist

You should have a regular cleaning and checkup scheduled. It is extremely important to go every six months, as this allows your dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth and catch any oral health issues before they worsen. If you have dental insurance, these two trips a year will most likely be covered.

You should also visit your dentist if you are having any problems with your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks or jawbone between visits.

With regular visits to your dentist, your cleaning and checkup should be a quick and easy process.

Renaissance Dental Care provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry to patients of all ages. Consider an appointment today.

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