Routine Dental Checkups
Why Are General Checkups Important?
A general checkup is a chance for you and your dental team to talk about your teeth, gums, and any issues or concerns you might have since you last visited us, or any other dental office. If you have questions for your dental team, be sure to bring them up during your checkup. You’ll have digital x-rays taken of your teeth and gums to ensure there are no issues that are not visible to the naked eye, and your hygienist will examine your teeth and clean them thoroughly.
Still, many patients wonder how to know when it’s time to book a visit outside of their regular checkup schedule. You may be wondering:
What are the signs I need to see a dentist?
You should see a dentist if you experience persistent tooth pain, bleeding gums, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, or notice new lumps or bumps in your mouth. At Signature Dental, our Richardson and Frisco offices are here to help diagnose issues early and provide expert care when you need it.
A regular deep cleaning is important to remove tartar (plaque that has not been removed and has hardened on the teeth). Tartar is removed by scaling, which can only be done in a dental office by a trained professional. If you decide to skip your dental checkup, you increase your risk of bacteria forming under the tartar and causing gum disease, infection, and more. Also, regular dental checkups provide detailed information about your oral health, and your dentist can track changes over time to ensure you’re maintaining good oral health. Regular checkups make it easier to check for new issues have developed since your last visit.
What Is a General Checkup at the Dentist?
A general checkup includes working with one of our professionally trained dental hygienists who will clean your teeth using a series of instruments and techniques. These methods include:
- Scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
- Polishing your teeth to remove surface stains and make them smooth
- Taking a history of your oral health to document for your file
- Examining your teeth for any damage or signs of infection
- Applying a fluoride treatment to keep your teeth healthy
- Assisting the dentist in their exam
What Does a Dentist’s Exam Include?
The dentist’s exam includes a thorough examination of your entire mouth, including the gums and tongue. Your dentist will look at all your teeth and relay any pertinent information to the hygienist. The hygienist will record the information in your file using our chair-side computers. Dentists look for any abnormalities in the x-rays, including bone loss, cracked teeth, gum recession, cavities, and more. If you have any questions or concerns, you can ask them of the dentist at this time.
You’ll usually hear the dentist and the hygienist discussing the cleaning procedure. Sharing of information between the hygienist and the dentist is important to get a full picture of your oral health. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss your oral health with your dentist, and together you’ll make a plan for any treatments that are necessary for helping you maintain strong and long-lasting teeth.
What Happens After a Checkup?
A general checkup usually ends by booking another appointment for 9-12 months in the future. Children typically have checkups every 6-9 months to ensure their teeth are growing at a proper rate and to ensure there are no complications with the growth of their mouth and jaw. If any additional treatments are necessary, appointments will be made to complete the work discussed. These treatments may include such procedures as filling cavities, being fitted for mouthguards, restoring a broken tooth, or starting the process of getting dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry in Richardson and Frisco, TX
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive at our Richardson and Frisco offices.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity often results from enamel wear, exposed tooth roots, gum recession, cavities, or cracked teeth. At Signature Dental, our Richardson and Frisco offices diagnose the cause and provide relief with treatments like fluoride applications, bonding, or sealants to protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity.
What should I expect during a dental check‑up?
During a dental check‑up, your hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, followed by a dentist’s exam to check for cavities, gum health, oral cancer, and bite alignment. At Signature Dental, our Richardson and Frisco offices also use digital X‑rays when needed and discuss your oral health goals during each visit.
Should I go to a dentist for tooth pain?
If you are experiencing tooth pain, whether it is mild discomfort or persistent and sharp, you should schedule a dental exam as soon as possible. At Signature Dental, our Richardson and Frisco offices are equipped to identify the cause, such as cavities, infection, gum issues, or cracked teeth, and provide timely treatment to relieve pain and protect your oral health.
Contact Signature Dental
Contact Signature Dental at our Frisco or Richardson, Texas office if you’re searching for a new dentist or need to book an appointment. We offer various preventative (such as teeth cleaning), restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to meet your needs. Don’t delay reaching out to one of our professional and knowledgeable staff members to discuss your checkup appointment today.
