Even if you are religious about cleaning your teeth twice a day, brushing and flossing diligently to the latest instructions, you will still need to have regular dental check-ups to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular check-ups are important because only your Southampton dentist can spot early signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer or other dental problems. As none of these conditions give early signals of pain, it is very unlikely you will become aware of them until they are well advanced.
At Smilemakers, we offer all our patients a comprehensive oral health assessment. We want to know all about your health history and any concerns you may have before proceeding to treatment. Here is what to expect from your oral health assessment at your Southampton dentist.
Examining your teeth
When you come to Smilemakers for a check-up, your Southampton dentist will use a small mirror with an angled handle and a metal probe to look carefully at each of your teeth for signs of decay. Your dentist will then check how well your upper and lower teeth are biting together, and look for any tooth grinding problems. The dentist will also feel your neck and look at the soft tissues of your mouth, examining them for signs of oral cancer, especially if you are age 35 or older. The early detection of oral cancer is vital, so if you are not entirely sure when you had your last screening, ask your Southampton dentist to repeat the screening during your dental check-up. If you are at high risk, you are advised to have screenings every month.
During your check-up, we may need to take x-rays or tooth impressions. Also, we will check your gums for signs of disease. During your oral health assessment, we will make a detailed record of the state of all your existing fillings and look for signs of fractures or ledges on your teeth. We will also check all existing crowns, veneers, bridges or implants for fit, appearance and function.
At Smilemakers, an appointment with the hygienist can rid your teeth of plaque and tartar build-up, which tends to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Taking good care of your oral health is the best way to prevent problems in the future.
