Upcoming Dental Checkup? Here’s What to Expect

Has it been awhile since your last dental checkup? Perhaps you’re having trouble recalling what to expect during this preventive visit. The unknown can certainly create extra stress and anxiety about your upcoming appointment. Let us help. At Avalon Dental Group, we are happy to refresh your memory (or educate you for the first time) on what to expect during a routine dental exam.

You can expect:

Waiting Room Comfort

Gone are the days when you have to sit in a silent, sterile and uncomfortable lobby while you wait to be seen. Today’s modern dentist will make it a priority to create an office atmosphere that feels more like home, which means we’ll provide all the amenities you’re used to, from complimentary beverages and WiFi to soothing music and a play area for your child.

Health History Evaluation

Your overall health plays a vital role in your dental health. Therefore, we will first gather key information about your past medical history, including certain conditions like diabetes and heart disease that can affect your oral health.

Professional Cleaning

Most likely, a hygienist will begin your time in the dental chair by conducting a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. This involves a special handheld toothbrush and gentle scraping and flossing to get hardened plaque removed from tight spaces within your smile.

Painless Mouth Check and Oral Cancer Screening

We will also use our trained eyes to look at all areas of your oral health. We will measure your gum height and check for signs of gum disease. We will do some probing and spot areas of discoloration or decay. Finally, we will conduct a painless oral cancer screening to be sure there are no suspicious lesions that need to be monitored.

Digital X-Rays

Your routine dental visit will often require a set of digital x-rays, especially if it has been several months or years since you’ve been to a dentist. These x-rays allow us to view what is going on below the gum line and into the inside of your teeth. Using x-ray technology, we can often detect cavities, wisdom teeth problems and other issues at their earliest, most treatable stage.

Chat with the Dentist

The last step of your exam involves a casual discussion with our dentist. At this time, we will talk about the condition of your smile and discuss any treatments that need to be done. It is also a chance for you to reveal your specific concerns about your dental health or ask questions about your oral hygiene.

Do you feel more informed about your upcoming visit? We hope so. Call Avalon Dental Group today!