Most people in Springfield know they should visit the dentist twice a year – but few realize how much happens during those routine visits. These checkups are more than just a cleaning; they’re a complete evaluation of your oral and overall health. At Kelly Dental, we make sure your visits are comfortable and you have an informative experience that helps you protect your smile.
Why Is Visiting Your Dentist Routinely Important?
Even a good practice of brushing and flossing at home will not be able to access every area. With time, the plaque will become hard in the form of tartar that cannot be removed without the use of professional equipment. Missing visits enable bacteria to multiply, resulting in cavities, periodontal disease, and even loss of bone.
Regular appointments help catch these issues early – when they’re easiest to treat. They also give Dr. Kelly a chance to track small changes in your teeth, gums, and bite before they turn into larger problems.
A Step-by-Step Look at Our Dentist’s Checkup Process
Regular dentist visits follow a simple, structured process designed to protect your oral health. Each step helps your dentist spot early signs of trouble and keep your smile in its best shape.
Step 1: A Warm Welcome And Review At The Dentist’s Office
You will begin with us with a chat on your dental history, any pain that you have been experiencing, or how your general health has been. The information will enable the team to tailor your care and identify possible risk factors, including dry mouth, medications, or grinding habits.
We always strive to prevent first – since early know-how saves time and money and your natural teeth.
Step 2: The Comprehensive Exam By Your Dentist
Dr. Kelly will then do a close inspection of your mouth, looking at:
- Cavities or weakened enamel
- The initial symptoms of inflammation of the gums.
- Tooth wear, cracks, or damage
- Bite position and jaw action.
- Any developmental alterations of the tongue, cheeks, or palate.
To identify any decay or bone loss, or issues under restorations, digital X-rays will be taken. With these images, we can have a better understanding of your diagnosis.
Step 3: Routine Professional Cleaning By A Professional
One of our hygienists cleans up your teeth and gumline after your examination. Polishing removes the stains on the surface and levels off the enamel so that future buildup is less likely to attach to it. The last floss and the rinse will have your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
This action does not just put some light in your face – but it helps remove inflammation and lowers the chances of getting gum disease.
Step 4: Oral And Gum Assessment
Healthy teeth are based on healthy gums. With every visit, we measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth to detect early gum disease. In case of any symptoms of infection or recession, Dr. Kelly might suggest more cleanings or changes at home to prevent their continuation.
Step 5: Prevention Advice And Recommendation
Our staff will offer you some special suggestions on how to take care of your mouth at home before you leave. This can be brushing techniques, flossing techniques, the use of fluoride, or dietary recommendations to maintain enamel protection. Springfield water is rich with fluoride, which is good for hardening teeth and washing away food particles.
Future treatments are also discussed where necessary – fillings, sealants, or whitening – so that you make informed choices regarding your care.
Need For Consistency In Routine Dental Checkups
The American Dental Association suggests that the majority of adults should have their teeth cleaned twice a year. Otherwise, patients with periodontitis, braces, or chronic illnesses may require a higher frequency. Being consistent is key to avoiding issues to stopping the issues from becoming more serious.
Your Dentist Visit Is The First Defense For Your Smile
Even a regular visit to the dentist is much more than cleaning the teeth – this is preventive medicine for your mouth. Such visits ensure that your teeth are strong, your gums well and so is your confidence. We treat our patients with a touch of friendliness at Kelly Dental to ensure there is meaning to every visit. This is the best step to lifelong good oral health.
FAQs
A routine appointment includes a dental history review, a comprehensive exam, professional cleaning, and an assessment of your gums and oral health to prevent future issues.
The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist twice a year for most adults. However, those with gum disease, braces, or chronic conditions may need more frequent visits.
Even with regular brushing and flossing, tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleaning removes this buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
After your cleaning, your mouth will feel fresh and clean. You’ll also receive personalized advice on oral care, including brushing and flossing tips, to maintain good dental health.