Everyone knows they should visit the dentist at least once a year, but some people don’t fully understand the importance of these regular checkups. During a routine examination, the dentist is looking for many potential problems. Visiting a dental clinic in St Peter MN each year is the best way to keep your smile looking its best.
Deep Cleanings
Once plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes nearly impossible to remove at home. It only takes 48 hours for plaque to fully harden into this foul, yellow substance. During your regular checkup, your dentist will thoroughly deep clean your teeth.
A dentist has specialized tools to scrape away and remove tartar from your teeth. After the tartar is gone, they will polish your teeth to a high shine. Some dentists may even offer a fluoride treatment to help remineralize your tooth enamel and to prevent tooth sensitivity.
Check for Cavities
All cavities start small. If left untreated, a once asymptomatic cavity may grow into a painful toothache. Cavities may even allow bacteria to enter the tooth and reach the nerve. When this happens, a root canal is the only way to save the tooth.
At a dental clinic in St Peter MN, your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth. This helps the dentist locate tiny, hard-to-see cavities. If a cavity is found while it’s still small, a simple dental filling is usually all that is needed to remedy the situation.
Gum Health
If you want to keep your smile healthy, you need to take care of your gum tissue. When the gums become inflamed, tooth loss often follows. Gum disease occurs whenever bacteria infects this delicate tissue. Overtime, the tissue erodes, exposing the root of the tooth. Loose teeth are very common in patients with gum disease.
During a routine examination, a dentist will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, including redness, bleeding and bad breath. If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, it’s important to begin treatment right away to prevent losing your teeth.
Children, adults and seniors should all visit business name on an annual basis. While good oral hygiene begins at home, only a dentist can properly diagnose and treat certain problems that may arise.
