Come In For Your Next Checkup

When was the last time you saw your dentist? Typically, it is recommended that you come in every six months for a cleaning and examination. These visits help prevent problems like cavities and gingivitis and keep your oral health in check. If you are overdue for your next visit, see the team at Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA.

What Happens During Your Appointment

Your visit will take around thirty minutes and consists of two parts: cleaning and examination. During the cleaning, the hygienist will use special tools to help remove plaque buildup. When plaque hardens, a regular toothbrush alone cannot remove it. This step helps reduce the chances of developing tooth decay around these areas and leaves your teeth feeling smooth. If there are areas of buildup, your dentist can give you tips on how to brush your teeth more thoroughly. Remember, you should be practicing an oral hygiene routine at home, too. You should brush and floss at least twice a day, or after every meal if possible. Do not forget to brush your tongue, too. These steps can help prevent bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.

Taking A Closer Look

The second part of your appointment consists of an examination. This may be done with the help of X-rays or intraoral cameras. The purpose of this examination is to check for signs of decay, damage, or changes to your gum tissue. These could be signs of cavities forming or beginning stages of gum disease. If there are any signs of potential concern, your dentist can use these images to diagnose the problem and create a helpful treatment plan based on your needs. If you do not see the dentist regularly, these problems could go unnoticed until they progress into a more severe condition. It is important to screen for them during each visit so that they can be treated promptly if necessary.

Restoring Your Smile

If your dentist has any concerns about your smile, they will create a treatment plan to restore it. For example, if a tooth has been harmed by a cavity, your dentist will recommend that you schedule an appointment for a filling. This is a restorative treatment that can help restrengthen your tooth after decay. The damaged part of the tooth will be removed, and cleaned, and composite resin will be added to the area. For patients who are showing signs of gingivitis, like swollen or red gums, your dentist may recommend that you have a periodontal cleaning done to reverse these symptoms.

Schedule Your Next Visit Today

As a general rule, you should see the dentist twice a year for a checkup. Call Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA at (641)628-1121. to schedule your appointment.