CLEANING AND CHECK-UPS
IS IT RECOMMENDED THAT I SEE MY DENTIST EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR A CLEANING AND CHECKUP?
A 6-month recall will help your dentist detect developing problems early and treat them before they get worse. For many people, a 6-month recall is ideal. For some, an even more frequent recall is necessary. A large part of the recommended recall depends on how well you take care of your teeth and gums, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and if you have problems that need to be checked or treated. We will develop a recall schedule that is tailored to your specific needs.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF:
Do I use dental floss to clean my teeth every day?
Do I brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste? Am I using the right technique?
Is my diet well balanced, and am I trying to limit sweets and foods that are sticky?
Do I smoke? Have I considered quitting?
Have I had a history of dental cavities or gum disease? Does it run in my family?
Am I following up regularly with my family doctor for physical exams?
All of these factors will affect your oral health, and they will help your dentist determine how frequently you need to be seen for cleanings and checkups. You should not be determining your need for dental treatment based on what your insurance benefits cover.
DO I NEED TO HAVE DENTAL X-RAYS DONE EACH TIME I COME FOR A CHECKUP?
How often your dentist recommends that you have x-rays taken will depend on your specific oral health situation. A healthy adult whose oral situation has been stable for a couple years, without the development of new cavities or deep pockets, will not need to have x-rays taken at each appointment. If your dental situation is less stable, and you are developing new cavities or deeper pockets, then you may need to have more frequent x-rays taken. If you aren’t sure why a particular dental x-ray needs to be taken, ask your dentist. It is important to remember that a dental x-ray delivers only a very small amount of radiation, and that they are a vital tool that helps your dentist diagnose your condition properly. They will help prevent a smaller problem from developing into a bigger one.
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