Dental Checkup

Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. If you are in Boise, Idaho and searching for a reliable dentist - the staff here at Times Square Dental is available for new patients. If you have not been to a dentist for a checkup, this guide will go over what you can expect.

Visiting a dentist in Boise will benefit you in so many ways. We’ll discuss the process of a checkup, so you know what to expect every time. Of course, it is important to do this every six months to ensure that your teeth and gums are in good shape. Let’s begin this guide now as we have plenty to talk about.

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are the cornerstone of preventative dental care. By visiting the best Boise dentist on a routine basis, you can ensure that any potential dental issues are detected early and treated promptly. This helps prevent small problems from becoming major oral health concerns that require more extensive and expensive treatments.

Additionally, routine dental visits contribute to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, thus improving your overall well-being. Having good oral health can lead to an excellent looking smile for years to come. Not only that, you’ll also improve your overall health. Both your oral health and the rest of your body go hand-in-hand. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental problems. But not to be outdone, it can also put you at risk of other serious health issues as well. This is one more good reason why you should consider practicing regular oral hygiene daily. You must brush your teeth at least twice and floss once daily.

The Dental Checkup Process: How it All Works

We will be walking you through a step-by-step process on dental checkups. You’ll understand exactly what’s going on while the hygienist and dentist work together to make sure your smile is looking good. Here’s what goes on during the process:

Comprehensive Oral Examination

First, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral cavity. They will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft tissues to assess your oral health. The examination will help identify any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues. The surface issues can appear. And when they are discovered, the dentist will assess how bad it may be. For example, if there is a cavity present - they will make a decision to take care of it with the help of a filling. They won’t delay any longer than they need to. You may be able to get the issue fixed in the same appointment (assuming it’s a minor issue). For major oral issues, they will likely require several visits over a period of time.

Dental X-rays

Dental issues can show signs on the surface. However, they can occur even without any visible signs. Typically, dental x-rays will be taken as part of the examination process. The dentist will view a detailed view of your teeth along with the underlying structures such as the jawbone. They will be able to identify any problems that are not visible on the surface. They include but are not limited to cavities between teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or bone loss due to gum disease. Dental x-rays are mostly safe and will provide you and the dentist with valuable information for an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Oral Health Education

A dental checkup is an opportunity to learn about proper oral hygiene practices. A dentist will provide you with guidance on brushing techniques, flossing, and other preventative measures tailored to your specific needs. They can also mention any dietary recommendations and lifestyle habits that can impact your oral health. For example, an assessment may be done during the appointment to discuss your regular lifestyle habits. They can ask questions such as the amount of tobacco or alcohol that you use. As such, they will inform you about how the use of such products can harm your oral health. On top of that, they will also inform you on the dangers of oral cancer. Smoking and regular alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of developing certain cancers including oral cancer in particular. It is important that you follow any recommendations that your dentist provides. Even if it means cutting out smoking and drinking for the benefit of your oral health. Not doing so can invite major problems for your teeth and gums - even your overall health.

Treatment Planning

If there are any dental issues that are detected during your checkup, it’s important that your dentist puts together a personalized treatment plan. They will explain the recommended treatments including their purpose, benefits, and potential risks. You can discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding the proposed treatments before proceeding. Please note that these treatments can last over several months (and through a series of appointments) depending on the condition that you are dealing with. For example, if you are missing teeth, there are plenty of options. These include but are not limited to dental implants, veneers, and other restorative dental procedures. If you are planning any cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, it is important to deal with any existing oral health issues first. Cosmetic procedures can be hindered by any existing dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.

Need a dental checkup? Come see us today!

At Times Square Dental, we want our patients to have a dentist in their corner when it comes to their oral health. If you have yet to schedule an appointment for a checkup, you should consider doing so as soon as possible. It’s up to you to find out if your oral health is good or if there is any work to be done. Regardless, your smile is so important. So do the best you can to preserve it.

To set up an appointment, contact us online or call our office at 208-314-1901 today.