Dental Cleanings & Checkups – Waterbury, CT
Invest in Healthy Teeth and Gums
Did you know that 92% of adults will experience cavities? Did you know that 50% of Americans have a form of gum disease? Both are leading causes of tooth loss and can affect your general wellness negatively. Brushing and flossing aren't enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The American Dental Association recommends having a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. You will benefit from the power of prevention to keep your smile healthy.
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Brushing and flossing are effective at keeping your mouth clean, but your toothbrush and floss can't reach everywhere. Plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, increasing your risk of cavities and infections. Routine cleanings and checkups are proven to decrease the risk of decay and infections significantly. Not only will you avoid tooth loss, but you will prevent needing dental work later. Researchers have found that $1 of preventive dental care can save up to $50 on restorative and emergency fees. Dental insurance covers 100% of the expenses for preventive dentistry for a copay.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Routine dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health for any changes. They will check your teeth and gums for anything concerning, like enamel loss or gum inflammation. Your dentist will also examine your jaw, neck, and oral structures for any abnormalities. They may review X-rays of your mouth to check for issues below the surface, like infections or bone loss.
After your examination, your dentist will review their findings with you. They will explain if you require any treatment and answer your questions.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
In addition to your checkup, your dental hygienist will clean your teeth. They've completed training to specialize in oral hygiene. Your hygienist will use special dental instruments to clean and polish your teeth. They may have suggestions to improve your brushing and flossing habits. Your dental hygienist may also provide other preventive services, like fluoride varnish.
Your hygienist is also another set of eyes monitoring your dental health. They are the first person to get a good look inside of your mouth, allowing them to relay any important information to your dentist.
Visiting your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup is a simple, affordable way to keep your mouth healthy and your smile looking its best. Request an appointment through our website or call our office at (203) 575-9097. We will help you achieve optimal oral health.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
A regular dental exam can usually be completed in about ten to fifteen minutes, but it may take more time in some cases since every patient is different. The exam will involve our dentist visually inspecting your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues for signs of infection and oral cancer. We’ll also be sure to evaluate your bite and existing dental work, so be sure to bring any appliances you use such as dentures.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
A patient who doesn’t have signs of gum disease and visits our office in Waterbury every six months for routine checkups will probably need only a regular dental cleaning, which typically takes about thirty minutes. However, patients who have severe accumulations of plaque and tartar may require a deep cleaning treatment called scaling and root planing that usually requires additional appointments.
Do dental hygienists do professional teeth cleanings?
Dental hygienists typically clean and polish patients’ teeth during routine checkups, and they are also trained to perform X-rays and oral health assessments as well as to apply fluoride and dental sealants. Dental hygienists can also perform some periodontal procedures and help patients understand how to preserve their oral health with proper hygiene and eating habits.
What does my dentist screen for during routine checkups?
Frequent dental exams allow our team to detect and treat destructive oral health issues while they are still in their early stages, which can prevent miserable tooth pain and serious damage like permanent tooth loss. During each checkup at our Waterbury office, our dentist will evaluate your X-rays for signs of infection, decay, and injury. They will also screen your mouth for signs of oral cancer, check existing restorations such as bridges and dental crowns in case they need replacement, and inspect your gums for inflammation. Our team will also take special care to address any concerns you have about your oral health and answer any questions about how you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life.
What factors can lengthen my regular dental appointment?
Most dental appointments are booked for either an hour or an hour-and-a-half depending on whether the patient is new or not. Your exam and cleaning may take more time than usual due to our dentist discovering an oral health issue that needs to be resolved, the need to take new X-rays, or discussion about your candidacy for cosmetic or restorative treatments. The best way to help your appointment take less time is to practice excellent oral hygiene at home by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash every day while limiting your intake of sugar and acids.