What To Expect From Dentists During An Initial Appointment
- By Christine OKelly
- Published 10/28/2008
- Health
- Unrated
Regular visits to one of the local dentists are important, even for those who brush and floss adequately. These experts can identify problems, diseases, and conditions that patients simply can't see themselves. Without regular appointments, these issues continue to worsen until the symptoms show up and quickly deteriorate the quality of your oral health. He or she will also be able to keep your teeth healthy looking and clean while recommending and performing additional treatments you may need. Their primary goal is to make sure your smile looks great and stays as healthy as possible. In the end, you can save a large sum of money on treatments you won't need with adequate oral care.
What Dentists See That Patients Don't
Some issues can hide in a patient's mouth for years before the symptoms show up and the issue becomes a serious problem. Sometimes, this comes too late, leaving dentists with fewer treatment options. Some of these problems include impacted or cracked teeth as well as decay under the gum line. Experts may also notice serious conditions, such as gum disease or cancer, by spotting unusual spots on your gums like a periodontal pocket. Additional problems they find might also be able to treat other general health issues such as headaches, which may not normally be thought of by the patient.
Cleanings
Even the biggest brushing and flossing fanatics will need more than regular at-home care to keep their teeth healthy. Professional cleanings seem expensive, but when you see what they can do for your body, you will find
that this process really isn't costly at all. Cleanings remove the buildup of tartar that inevitably hardens and stains your teeth. This process also polishes and smoothes the surface of the teeth making it easier for regular brushing to remove the plaque on your teeth. Finally, it is a large factor in preventing gum diseases. Your dental professional might also give your teeth a fluoride treatment to prevent tooth decay by giving your teeth an invisible barrier and repair areas of light decay.
Health History And X-Rays
Your general medical and dental history is very important to dentists. Medical conditions, such as allergies and issues you have had with your oral health in the past, will allow the dental professional to tailor his checkups and treatments to your individual needs. If you have had trouble with sensitivity in the past, the oral health expert will keep an eye out on both the causes and symptoms.
X-rays are a vital part of a thorough examination of your teeth. With a picture of your entire teeth and root system, dentists can locate teeth trapped beneath the gums, root issues and infections, and cracked teeth. He or she will also look at the state of your jawbones. This includes how the roots enter the bone, the amount of deterioration of the bone mass, and how well the teeth are held in place.
With San Jose dentists, and oral health care providers throughout the country, the primary concern is to make certain you have a positive visit and leave with the healthiest smile possible. They need to examine your overall health first. They can then identify any issues you may have, recommend treatments, and talk to you about any concerns you might have.
What Dentists See That Patients Don't
Some issues can hide in a patient's mouth for years before the symptoms show up and the issue becomes a serious problem. Sometimes, this comes too late, leaving dentists with fewer treatment options. Some of these problems include impacted or cracked teeth as well as decay under the gum line. Experts may also notice serious conditions, such as gum disease or cancer, by spotting unusual spots on your gums like a periodontal pocket. Additional problems they find might also be able to treat other general health issues such as headaches, which may not normally be thought of by the patient.
Cleanings
Even the biggest brushing and flossing fanatics will need more than regular at-home care to keep their teeth healthy. Professional cleanings seem expensive, but when you see what they can do for your body, you will find
Health History And X-Rays
Your general medical and dental history is very important to dentists. Medical conditions, such as allergies and issues you have had with your oral health in the past, will allow the dental professional to tailor his checkups and treatments to your individual needs. If you have had trouble with sensitivity in the past, the oral health expert will keep an eye out on both the causes and symptoms.
X-rays are a vital part of a thorough examination of your teeth. With a picture of your entire teeth and root system, dentists can locate teeth trapped beneath the gums, root issues and infections, and cracked teeth. He or she will also look at the state of your jawbones. This includes how the roots enter the bone, the amount of deterioration of the bone mass, and how well the teeth are held in place.
With San Jose dentists, and oral health care providers throughout the country, the primary concern is to make certain you have a positive visit and leave with the healthiest smile possible. They need to examine your overall health first. They can then identify any issues you may have, recommend treatments, and talk to you about any concerns you might have.
Christine OKelly
Christine O'Kelly is an author for the San Jose dentists of Zeidler Dental Group. These talented dentists in San Jose offer regular and cosmetic procedures including implants, whitening, and veneers.
View all articles by Christine OKelly