What Should You Expect at a Regular Dental Visit?
Dental visits should be scheduled every six months. In addition to your teeth cleaning twice a year, the hygienist will take X-rays once a year. It is important for your oral health to keep up with these appointments. Keeping up with your regularly scheduled appointments will help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
Check-In and Medical History
When you arrive at your dentist’s office, you need to check in. When you check in, you will be asked for your identification and your insurance card. You will also need to update your medical history and list any medications once a year. This is important because certain health conditions and medications can affect your oral health and influence treatment decisions.
Oral Examination
During a regular cleaning appointment, the hygienist will start with a thorough visual inspection of your mouth. The hygienist will look for cavities, gum inflammation, plaque buildup, and signs of oral diseases. Your tongue, cheeks, and throat will also be checked for abnormalities, which can help detect issues like oral cancer.
Professional Cleaning
These are the steps for professional cleaning done by the hygienist:
- Initial exam: The hygienist examines the condition of your teeth and gums.
- X-rays: If it has been a year or other problems seem to be present, X-rays will be taken before a cleaning. X-rays are used to check for cavities, bone loss, or impacted teeth.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy: At Karmazin Dental, we offer Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)—a minimally invasive dental cleaning option that removes plaque, stains, and tartar in a safe, effective, and comfortable way. During this procedure, we use disclosing dye to highlight the plaque on your teeth, then remove it with a gentle air-polishing device—leaving your teeth clean and shining.
- Flossing: Flossing will clean the difficult-to-reach areas in between your teeth.
- Fluoride treatment (optional): Fluoride may be used to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Dentist check-up: Your dentist will check your teeth and gums and examine x-rays.
Other practices may offer:
- Scaling: An ultrasonic scaler or hand tool will be used to remove plaque from the tooth surface. This process is usually painless, unless you have gum irritation.
- Polishing: Polishing paste is used to clean the teeth and remove stains with a rotating brush.
Discussion and Advice
After the dentist’s exam, they will discuss their findings with you. The dentist will explain any issues, suggest treatments if necessary, and answer your questions. This is a good time to ask about brushing concerns, flossing techniques, or other oral concerns.
Listen carefully to what your dentist is explaining to you, especially if the dentist has concerns. Make sure to ask the appropriate questions about any future treatments and appointments.
Treatment Plan and Future Appointments
If the dentist has concerns—such as cavities or gum disease—the dentist will offer you a treatment plan. Make sure you understand clearly what the dentist’s treatment plan suggests. Ask questions, including whether there are alternative treatment options.
For your next appointment, the office will discuss costs, insurance coverage, and scheduling options.
Reach out for support
In a regular dentist’s visit, expect a professional teeth cleaning. You might also have X-rays taken to look for bone loss, cavities, or impacted teeth. You will have a discussion with your dentist about your visit and a treatment plan, if needed. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our office if you have any questions, and for an appointment.