Attending your regular dental appointments has never been more critical because we now understand how periodontal (gum) disease is related to other health concerns in the body, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
You will be screened for periodontal disease and other oral health concerns during an exam with your dentist in Alpharetta, GA. Here's more information on what else to expect during your regular dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning.
What to Expect During Your Twice-Yearly Checkup and Teeth Cleaning
It would be best to visit your dentist every six months for a dental exam and cleaning. This is the American Dental Association's recommended schedule for patients with healthy smiles. If you have an oral health condition, your dentist will discuss a more personalized appointment timeframe.
Rest assured, your preventive visit is a relaxing and pain-free undertaking, and we will guide you through the process if you have not been to the dentist in a while. Essentially, you see the dentist for a checkup and then the hygienist for your teeth cleaning.
Here's what happens during your six-month checkup:
Oral Cancer Screening
You may not hear too much about oral cancer. However, it affects many Americans each year. Because there's not a lot of pain associated with oral cancer at first, it often goes undetected until its more advanced stages, making treatment less effective. When you visit Dr. Kai Liang every six months, he'll screen you for oral cancer to detect it in its earliest stages.
Dental X-Rays
X-rays are typically taken once per year to give Dr. Liang an inside perspective of your teeth and bones. With x-rays, he can monitor changes in the health of your bones, jaw joints, and teeth. X-rays also allow him to see issues like tooth decay early on. With early detection, many patients can reverse the effects of tooth decay.
Periodontal Screenings
During your six-month checkup, we'll measure your gums' health to ensure no signs of recession or gum disease. The good news is that gum disease detected in its early stage called gingivitis can often be effectively managed with a thorough professional cleaning and improved home care, and even reversed in some cases. Because gum disease affects your overall health and well-being, you must be proactive about regular checkups.
Dental Cleaning
This step in the prevention process is your best defense against preventable conditions like gum disease and cavities. It is non-invasive and relaxing. You rest in the dental chair while we clean cavity-causing ingredients from your teeth and gums.
Time for Your Next Dental Exam? Contact Your Dentist in Alpharetta, GA
At Alpharetta Creek Restorative Dentistry, we're proud to be your partners in achieving and maintaining optimum oral health, and this is why we recommend you visit us every six months or twice per year. Prevention is the key to keeping your healthy and beautiful smile forever. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment or if you have any questions.