Dental Check Ups

Dental Checkup

Scheduling regular dental checkups is an essential part of a preventive oral health care package. A dental checkup lets your dentist examine your teeth and gums for any diseases, a sign of cavities or infection—your dentist can also assess your susceptibility to developing any dental problem, and preventive measures can be recommended before any damage is done. Your dentist might also schedule a dental X-ray during your checkup, to effectively diagnose all possible dental issues.

Contact the Harley Street Dentist on 02071830903 today to book an appointment for a dental check-up. During your consultation, your diet and present oral hygiene habits will be discussed with our expert dental team. Proper brushing and flossing habits and techniques will be shown to you as well as recommendations on new lifestyle habits that will effectively improve your general oral health and the cosmetic appearance of your teeth and gums.

Why You Should Schedule A Dental Checkup

  • Severe systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and diabetes, show their first symptoms in the mouth. During a checkup, your dentist can discover these symptoms, and refer you to your doctor to begin early treatment on the diseases, and prevent any further damage.
  • Your oral health is also improved when you pay regular checkup visits to your dentist. The results of these dental checkups can help your dentist diagnose any gum or tooth disease on time, and provide you with essential tips in caring for your teeth, and subsequently avoiding any damage or decay in your mouth.

When Is A Dental Checkup Needed?

After an initial consultation, your dentist can suggest appropriate intervals for you to return for a dental checkup. These regular appointments are essential, even if you are not experiencing any pain or discomfort in your teeth or gums —by attending regular dental checkups, you maintain the health of your teeth and gums and prolong the effectiveness of any replacement teeth or orthodontic treatment you have had in the past.

How Do You Prepare For A Dental Checkup

When planning your first dental visit, you can reach out to family members and friends for recommendations. Ensure the location of the dental clinic is convenient for you, and that you understand the range of treatment options being offered, and also the fees and payment conditions. If you are not certain about any part of your dental plan, ask the dentist to explain it to you —if you feel any anxiety or discomfort during your treatment, communicate this to your dentist, and he/she can offer better options, or adjust your treatment to make you feel more relaxed.

What To Expect During A Dental Checkup

Your dentist will carry out some or all of the following during your check-up:

  • Evaluation of your oral hygiene and the condition of your general health.
  • Assess your teeth and gums for the risk of tooth and root decay, and any signs of gum or bone disease
  • Evaluate your need for any tooth restoration or replacement
  • Inspect your jaw and bite for signs of any dental issue
  • Clean your mouth, and remove any stain or deposit left on your teeth.
  • Show you some proper brushing and flossing techniques to care for your teeth and dentures
  • Assess your fluoride need
  • Take dental X-ray of your teeth and gums to diagnose any further problems

Some other things to expect:

Your dentist also will want to know if there have been any previous dental issues in the past and your current medications. The effects of any present or past medication on your oral health will be explained to you.

Some medications increase the risk of dry mouth, and they can also heighten the chances of tooth decay. An electric toothbrush might also be prescribed for you if you have any illness such as arthritis, or any physical challenge that makes you unable to grip your toothbrush firmly.

Your dentist will also inspect the condition of any dentures or bridges, if you have any, and suggest ways to adjust them if they have become loose.

Your lifestyle and diet may also be discussed during your check-up. Your oral health can be worsened by consuming alcohol and tobacco products, and some food high in caffeine. Your dentist can counsel you on what amount of these foods is suitable for you, and what new lifestyle habits to develop to improve your oral health.

Dental X-ray

A dental X-ray will provide detailed images of certain parts of your mouth that could not be reached during your physical oral examination. An X-ray exam is’not compulsory during your checkup. Your dentist might suggest it based on your oral health, and the severity of any present disease.

You should not worry about any the risk of radiation from the X-ray, as radiation exposure is usually shallow with an X-ray —the vulnerability is even much lower from digital X-rays. But if you’re still uncomfortable under an X-ray, you can discuss it with your dentist, and alternatives might be suggested for you.

Oral Cancer Exam

During your dental checkup, the following areas will be checked by your dentist for signs of oral cancer:

  • The insides of your lips and cheeks
  • The areas beneath your jaws
  • Both sides of your neck
  • The sides and the base of your tongue, and
  • The roof of your mouth.

Dental Impression

Your dentist might suggest taking an impression of either one, or both your jaws during your check-up. This impression can be used in making replicas of your teeth, and gums; to enable your dentist design a suitable mouthguard, or understand the shape and size of your bite.

Results

Once your check-up is done, and your results are in, your dentist will explain your oral health to you, and will inform you of any potential risk of tooth decay or gum disease. You will also be given oral hygiene tips to protect your mouth and improve your oral health.

Your dentist will suggest the date of a follow-up consultation. The frequency of your return check-ups usually will depend on your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, or any other severe dental issue. The risks will be communicated in your result, and your dentist might discuss your available treatment options in your next dental visit.

Depending on the type of care needed, treatment might not be carried out by your dentist, but he/she might refer you to an orthodontist skilled in handling dental procedures such as gum or teeth treatment, or oral surgery.

Contact the Harley Street Dentist on 02071830903 to book an appointment if you need an experienced dentist in Harley Street, London.

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