The unknown can cause a significant amount of stress. Many people avoid going to the dentist due to the fear, stress, or anxiety that it produces. Knowing exactly what to expect during your routine dental exam can help you reduce any feelings of stress and take proper care of your teeth.

Check In

The very first thing you will do is check in with the receptionist. Try to arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment to fill out any necessary paperwork. If you are a new patient, they will need your medical history, as well.

Examination

A dental hygienist or Certified Dental Assistant will perform a physical examination of your mouth. They will check for swelling of the gums, mouth sores, redness, tooth decay, and more. This process involves using a metal prodding tool and an angled mirror.

Professional Cleaning

After the physical exam, the hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth. They will begin by scraping off plaque and tartar build up on your teeth. Once tartar has formed, the only way to get it off is through a dental visit, so this step is particularly important. They will then floss around each individual tooth. After flossing, the hygienist will polish the teeth with an electric toothbrush. Finally, they may perform a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth.

X-rays

Dental x-rays are usually taken once a year. They allow your dentist to find internal problems that may not be visible through a physical exam.

Dental Examination

Another examination will be done by the dentist. They will use your x-rays, as well as look for issues with jaw alignment, teeth grinding, and oral cancer.

Results

Finally, your dentist will provide the results of your exam. They will give advice pertaining to the following procedures. You may be required to schedule additional appointments, or they may advise you on how to improve your oral hygiene practices.

Future Appointments

If you need another appointment to fix a dental issue, you’ll schedule the appointment after you finish with the dentist. Otherwise, you’ll schedule your next routine appointment in 6 months!

Regular dental appointments are vital in keeping your mouth healthy. To schedule your routine dental exam, contact us at Mills River Family Dental today.

Your dentist will do everything in their power to prevent tooth loss. Sometimes, however, a tooth will need to be extracted in order to protect the health of the remaining teeth. When a tooth is lost or extracted, a replacement must be inserted to prevent a multitude of problems from occurring.

Uses of Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most popular methods for replacing teeth. They create a natural look that will drastically improve your smile. Dental implants can also be used to anchor dentures in place. This allows for dentures to fit more securely and comfortably.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Spaces created by missing teeth can lead to a variety of problems. Gaps in the gums can lead to gum recession as well as loss of bone mass. Extra spaces between teeth can also cause teeth to shift around in the mouth. Open spaces may leave the area vulnerable to harmful bacteria that can lead to infection.

Implants can provide a natural looking solution to fill gaps in your smile. They fit securely and are very durable. Gaps in your smile can make you feel self-conscious and dental implants can go a long way toward improving your smile’s appearance. Dental implants are long-lasting and are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. Most patients that have sufficient bone mass will be candidates for dental implants.

It is necessary to replace empty spaces after suffering the loss of a tooth. Many issues can be caused by failure to fill these spaces. Implants provide a natural looking, durable way to repair your smile. To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, contact us at Mills River Family Dental today.