What’s Included in a Dental Checkup at Balanced Dental Studio in Lakewood, CO?
If you’ve scheduled an appointment for a dental checkup at Balanced Dental Studio in Lakewood, CO, you’re taking an important first step in improving your oral health—and, in turn, your overall health. Here’s how to prepare for your appointment and what to expect when you arrive at our dental office.
How do I prepare for my Lakewood, CO dentist appointment?
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- Brush and floss your teeth before you arrive
- Make notes of any concerns you wish to discuss
- Take note of changes to your medical history or medications you’re taking
This allows us to provide you with the best possible and accurate care.
What’s included in a dental checkup?
At our Lakewood dental clinic, your dental checkup is the most important step in preventative care.Your general dentist checkup includes:
A Dental Exam
During your exam, we look at your teeth and gums for potential problems that are in need of immediate attention, such as tooth decay and gum disease. By catching issues early, it’ll allow you to avoid painful cavities, gum infections, and more. We’ll also look for abnormalities such as lumps in your face, neck, and jawline. A medical history review is also important so we can determine if new medical conditions or medications might affect your treatment plan or oral health.
X-rays
X-rays are an important tool for dentistry as they help us detect issues we can’t see with the naked eye during the exam. We take an x-ray of the area below the gum line and teeth so that we can diagnose problems. For example, we can see if your wisdom teeth are impacted, which can damage your jawbone, or if you have any cysts, tumors, tooth decay, or abscesses.
Root Canals
If you have an infected tooth or a toothache, a root canal as a basic dental restorative procedure can be used to save the tooth and get you out of pain.
Once we complete your exam, x-rays, and cleaning, we will explain any issues you have and recommend a treatment plan. Our hygienist will also offer tips to improve your at-home oral care regime.
What does a dental cleaning include?
- Brush and floss your teeth before you arrive
- Make notes of any concerns you wish to discuss
- Take note of changes to your medical history or medications you’re taking
In the case where we spot trouble areas with more build-up of plaque and tartar, we’ll offer tips on the proper brushing and flossing technique, as well as discuss the best toothpaste and oral care tools for your particular needs.
What should I do between dental checkups?
<p “=”” style=”” tve-droppable”=””>Once you leave our office, it’s important to take our advice and follow the instructions we provide. This can be as simple as ‘keep up the good work’, or more complicated with advice on using special tools to help reduce plaque buildup.We also might provide recommendations on the best toothpaste to use. For example, if you suffer from tooth sensitivity, we’ll recommend a sensitive formula. Ideally, you should be brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. This is the best way to reduce plaque buildup which leads to tooth decay and possibly gum disease. Good oral health can also include using mouthwash to help reduce plaque bacteria and provide fresh breath.
Why is a dental checkup important?
Dental checkups are not only important for your oral health, but also for your overall health. Here’s why dental checkups help keep you healthy:
As you can see, your dental checkups not only keep your teeth and gums healthy but also keep an eye on important elements of your overall health.
We look for signs of systemic health problems.
Many times, your mouth can show us if there are potential health problems in the rest of your body. Gum disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Sleep apnea and teeth grinding are directly related. Yellow teeth can show us your breathing patterns aren’t correct. Loose teeth can point to osteoporosis. Dry mouth can indicate autoimmune disorders. The mouth can be a window to the rest of the body! If we see something that is concerning, we will be sure to point it out for you!
Ready to schedule an appointment for general dentistry services in Lakewood, CO?
Dental cleanings (prophylaxis)
Normally recommended every six months, This professional service reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives our team an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention.
Oral cancer screening
We look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.
Digital cavity detecting radiology
Low radiation option to look for areas of decay or pre-decay in between your teeth.
Fillings
Tooth colored, mercury-free material is used to repair areas where tooth decay or wear have caused cavities.
Fluoride strengthening treatments
Naturally occuring fluoride can be used to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent weakened areas from turning to cavities. Sometimes it can even reverse cavities!
Periodontal treatments
Periodontal disease is bad for your entire health! Treating it every three to four months can help with chronic health issues.
Sealants
Protective tooth colored layer over deep grooves can help to prevent cavities when teeth first erupt in the mouth by sealing out plaque and bacteria.
Tooth extractions
Gentle removal of a tooth that cannot be samed, a tooth extraction can get you out of pain or prevent infection.
Tongue-tie procedures
A tongue-tie can impact feeding, speaking, sleeping, chronic pain, and a whole host of other issues!
SERVICE RECOMMENDATION
Recommended GBP Service: Regular Dental Checkups and Exams Reasoning: This article specifically details what’s included in a dental checkup at Balanced Dental Studio, making it a perfect match for the “Regular Dental Checkups and Exams” service. The content covers all aspects of a standard checkup including dental exams, x-rays, cleanings, and preventive care recommendations. While it mentions other services like root canals, the primary focus is on the comprehensive checkup process and its importance for oral and overall health.
FAQ SECTION
Created new FAQ section:
Q: How often should I schedule dental checkups at Balanced Dental Studio? A: Most patients benefit from dental checkups every six months, though some may need more frequent visits based on their oral health needs. During your visit, we’ll assess your individual risk factors and recommend the ideal schedule for you. Regular checkups help prevent costly dental problems and maintain optimal oral health.
Q: What technology do you use for dental x-rays in Lakewood, CO? A: We use digital x-ray technology at our Lakewood dental clinic, which provides clearer images with significantly less radiation than traditional film x-rays. Digital x-rays help us detect hidden problems below the gum line, impacted wisdom teeth, cysts, tumors, and early-stage decay that isn’t visible during visual exams.
Q: How long does a typical dental checkup take? A: A comprehensive dental checkup typically takes 45-60 minutes, including exam, x-rays, and cleaning. First-time patients may need additional time for medical history review and initial assessments. We believe in taking the time needed to thoroughly evaluate your oral health and discuss any concerns.
Q: What’s the difference between plaque and tartar removal during cleanings? A: Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms daily on teeth and can be removed with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar is hardened plaque that bonds to teeth and requires professional removal with special instruments. Our hygienists thoroughly remove both during your cleaning to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Q: Can dental checkups really detect systemic health problems? A: Yes! Your mouth often shows early signs of systemic health issues. We screen for oral cancer, check lymph nodes, and look for indicators of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and autoimmune disorders. Gum disease has been linked to several serious health conditions, making regular checkups vital for overall health.
Q: What should I bring to my first dental appointment? A: Please bring your dental insurance information, a list of current medications, and notes about any dental concerns or changes in your health. If you have recent x-rays from another dentist, we can often use those to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure. Arriving 15 minutes early helps ensure we have time to complete all paperwork.
Q: Do you offer same-day treatment if problems are found during my checkup? A: Depending on the issue discovered and our schedule, we can often provide same-day treatment for minor problems. For more complex procedures like root canals or crowns, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment. We also offer same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental issues.
Q: What preventive treatments might be recommended after my checkup? A: Based on your exam results, we may recommend preventive treatments such as fluoride applications, dental sealants, or custom nightguards for teeth grinding. We’ll also provide personalized oral hygiene instructions and product recommendations tailored to your specific needs.