What Exactly is Covered in Your Checkup?

From a young age you are told the importance of keeping up with your oral health with regular preventive care at home, including brushing and flossing. While this is true, you need routine maintenance as well to ensure the true health of your smile. To the average person working to balance an already hectic schedule, it may seem unnecessary to go to the dentist every six months – especially during the Coronavirus pandemic. It is actually much more necessary than you might expect, however, as your checkup and cleaning serve a vital purpose in detecting and monitoring dental concerns early on. In fact, your Cleveland, TX dentist at Cleveland Family Dentistry encourages attending an exam twice a year, and wants to inform you about what is covered during your visit.

Examining for Harm

During your visit, your dentist will take care to examine your smile for any signs of potential harm or damage that has been caused. This includes searching the teeth for signs of decay such as cavities, damage that may have been caused by physical activities or harmful foods, or other points of concern. Your provider will look at your oral structures and surrounding tissues such as the gums for signs of discoloration or disease as well.

An important segment of the examination process includes identifying other concerns that may not seem as prevalent, such as screening for oral cancer. Utilizing advanced dental technology, the dentist will carefully and thoroughly examine the tongue, lips, cheeks, throat, and roof of the mouth for any signs of rough patches, red or white patches, lesions, or other abnormalities.

Addressing Concerns

Once concerns are identified, your dentist can specifically tailor a treatment plan to address your unique needs. For example, if your provider notes a decrease or reduction in tooth enamel, it may be recommended you utilize a more fluoride-heavy toothpaste to build up your enamel’s strength. If a cavity is identified, the provider can explain what the dental filling process may look like for you and encourage addressing it same-day or to schedule another appointment.

Providing a Fresh Clean

In addition to the checkup itself, your dentist will provide a thorough cleaning. Over the course of time, plaque builds up on or around the teeth due to harmful bacteria. If allowed to continue, this plaque can grow and eventually calcify into tartar, making removing it even more difficult. Your provider will carefully remove any plaque deposits so as to reduce damage it is causing your smile and ensuring a healthier grin.

Schedule Your Checkup

Staying on top of your oral health is a top priority, and the team at Cleveland Family Dentistry encourages attending regularly scheduled visits to do so. Contact our Cleveland, TX office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.