Why do we need dental checkups?
A dental checkup is an exam by a dentist and hygienist that is done at least twice a year. At this appointment, we examine your mouth, ensuring it is free of cavities, disease, infection, and cancer. Dental checkups are important for everyone, even if you don't have teeth, because issues like cancer can still arise. It’s crucial to be seen at least once or, preferably, twice a year.
How often should we get a dental checkup?
Typically, it's every six months that we have a dental checkup, which usually goes alongside your cleaning. The minimum required by the state of Texas is once a year. However, we prefer to ensure we're staying on top of our patient's health and that nothing sneaks through, as a lot can happen in a year. That's why we check at least twice a year in our office.
What is included in a dental checkup at Inspired Dental?
At Inspired Dental, a dental checkup includes a set of x-rays, a gum assessment, and an oral cancer screening. We check the sides of your jaw, underneath your chin, and within the neck for any sign of cancer. During the gum assessment, we also check for gum disease, which is the main reason people lose their teeth. Our goal is to complete your cleaning and determine the right type for you. If further treatment is needed, we'll schedule that with you.
What is a dentist looking for during a dental checkup?
Some people think dentists are just looking to find something, but honestly, I hope not to find anything. I love it when my patients have clean mouths and don't need treatment, as it shows they're doing a good job at home and we've educated them well. During an exam, we check for cavities, infection, gum disease, cancer, abnormal growths, or lesions. Our goal is to catch issues when they're small, making them easier to treat.
How long does a dental checkup take?
If you're coming in for regular routine checkups, it typically takes about 15 minutes for the exam. Your cleaning will take about 45 to 50 minutes, so your whole visit will be around an hour. If it's been a few years since your last visit, it may take longer. Staying routine keeps visits quicker and less problematic.
Is a dental checkup going to hurt?
Our goal is not to cause discomfort or pain. We customize our approach for each patient to ensure comfort throughout the process. If there's fear of pain, such as needing to get numb, we have methods to help with anxiety. Communicate your needs with our team, and we will accommodate.
How can someone schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, call our office at (210) 972-0768 or visit our website at www.inspiredentalsa.com. These portals also provide more information about our office.