Dental Checkup
Checkup at the dentist
If you are a new patient or haven't been to the dentist in a while, you may be curious about what a dental checkup entails. During this routine appointment, a dental professional will examine your smile, teeth, and gums for any signs of infection, decay, or disease, such as cavities or gum disease.
You will also receive guidance on how to take care of your teeth at home to maintain a healthy smile between checkups. To schedule your checkup, simply call our Cedar Grove Dental Group team in Cedar Grove, NJ at (973) 857-0567.
Teeth Cleaning
During a dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove plaque, which is a buildup of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth. This is done by scraping the teeth above and below the gum line using special tools. The teeth may be rinsed periodically during the process, and then the dental professional will floss between the teeth. If the patient does not floss regularly, they may experience some discomfort, but this will improve over time with consistent flossing as part of their daily oral care routine.
After the cleaning, the dental professional will polish the teeth to help protect them against plaque buildup, keeping them shiny and smoother for longer. The polish is applied with a spinning brush and a slightly coarse paste to eliminate any missed residue. Finally, the patient may be asked to rinse and gargle with mouthwash to complete the cleaning process.
“During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque — a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth.”
Oral Health Checkup
The dentist will discuss the patient's dental history, including medications, illnesses, allergies, concerns, and anxieties. It is important to be honest with the dental team to ensure the best care possible.
Using a small mirror, the dental professional will examine the teeth for any signs of concern such as swelling, sores, cuts, lesions, gum recession, and tooth decay. They will also check for dental pockets, which can indicate gum disease and pose a risk to health. Recommendations for home care and monitoring may be provided to protect the smile.
“Always be honest with our dental team so they can provide the best care possible.”
X-rays for dental purposes
During your dental checkup, new patients and those who have not had X-rays in a while will be required to have dental X-rays taken of their mouth. These X-rays are crucial for dentists to examine the roots beneath the gum line, which are typically not visible. To take the X-rays, the patient will bite down on a piece of plastic while a machine is placed near their cheek to capture the image. The dentist will then review the X-ray to identify any potential dental issues.
“These X-rays are important for your dental team to be able to check the roots beneath your gum line, which could otherwise not be seen during a routine checkup.”
Regular dental care is crucial
Our dental team recommends that all patients return to the office for dental checkups at least once every six months to monitor the smile for any signs of concern. Waiting too long between checkups allows plaque to build up, potentially leading to cavities, tooth decay, receding gums, and more. Patients will also receive guidance on preventing these issues during checkups.
Maintaining oral health at home is crucial. Our dental team may provide recommendations for at-home oral care, including oral hygiene techniques such as:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen breath.
- Avoid smoking and other activities harmful to oral health.
