What your dental team looks for at a check-up
When it comes to attending dental check-ups, few people are thrilled to get into the dental chair.
While this is understandable for people who have phobias or are nervous about dental visits, many patients believe that if there is no noticeable issue with their teeth, that there is little to no point in attending a check-up. Simply put, this is not the case.
In dentistry, prevention is better than cure and, you guessed it, attending a dental check-up is one of the best ways that you can prevent issues occurring with your oral health. And while you may think that the only thing that your dentist in Wagga Wagga is checking for is cavities, there is more to a biannual check-up than meets the eye.
In this article, what your dental team looks for at your biannual appointments will be explored, allowing you to see why attending your check-ups is so important. Enjoy!
Decay
OK, so firstly, one of the key things that your dentist from Wagga Wagga will look for is signs of decay and cavities.
While you may think your teeth look fine, a dental practitioner is also trained to detect the early signs of cavities and can apply sealants to protect your teeth against any further bacterial infiltration.
If your team does spot a cavity or decay, they will typically treat it with a filling which restores the tooth and stops the spread of decay. Simple!
Gum disease
Gum disease is common in dental practices and while your dentist near Wagga Wagga will check for it, the way they do so is often seen as odd by dental patients.
Gently poking at your gums, they assess the firmness to see if there are any early signs of gum disease; if your gum is spongy, then you will need a course of medicated mouthwash and a scale and polish.
Oral cancer
As scary as it is to think about, all dental practitioners are qualified to look for signs of oral cancer.
This can be something as simple as an ulcer, a small lump or a blemish on your gums that has failed to fade. Luckily, if detected early enough, oral cancers are highly treatable, making it all the more important to attend your dental check-ups regularly!
Plaque
It is somewhat accepted by dental teams that many people will have areas of plaque in their mouths- even the most diligent brusher can miss a spot!
Your dental team will keep an eye out for areas of plaque that may have been missed and will remove them using a gentle scraping and a water jet. This will prevent any issues occurring in the future.
Loose restorations
If you have fillings, crowns or root canals, your dental team will ensure that they are not loose. This may involve some strange poking sensations, but it is all to keep your oral health in good shape. If a loose filling is detected, they will usually aim to replace it during that same appointment.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
