Dental Checkups & Dental Exams

While it might be tempting to postpone, remember that delaying these routine preventive visits significantly increases the risk of future dental problems Investing a little time now can save you a lot of trouble later.

Reasons Why People Don’t See a Dentist Regularly

Common reasons for not regularly seeing a dentist are feelings of embarrassment, especially amongst people who haven’t been to the dentist for a while. They may know their teeth and gums don’t look their best and can experience feelings of shame because their dental care has become a little lax. There is no need to worry if you are in this situation, as dentists have seen everything and realize there is always a reason people haven’t seen them earlier. They won’t judge as they are there to help you regain dental health and a beautiful smile.

Another very common problem is dental phobia, and lots of people experience feelings of fear and anxiety. For some, these feelings are relatively controllable, but for others, they are much more intense and can prevent them from even picking up the phone to schedule that appointment. Again, if this sounds a little too familiar, you can rest assured there is a dentist out there that can help you. Nowadays, dentists are extremely sympathetic towards these feelings and have often gone out of their way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and go the extra mile to help nervous patients conquer their fears.

The potential cost of dental care can seem prohibitive, especially if you are concerned you might need dental treatments to restore dental health. However, many dentists now offer easy payment plans for people without dental insurance, so you can receive the dental care you need immediately using a payment plan that fits within your budget. Also, it’s worth remembering that the sooner you get treatment for existing dental problems, the more cost-effective the procedure. Leaving small problems to develop into large ones can become much costlier, requiring lengthier treatment.

The Benefits of Seeing a Dentist Regularly Include:

Removing Plaque and Tartar

No matter how well you brush your teeth, and even if you floss every day, plaque and tartar will still build up as there are always certain areas you miss or can’t quite reach. It only takes a couple of days for plaque to harden into tartar or calculus, and you cannot remove calculus with a toothbrush or dental floss. It can only be removed by your hygienist or dentist, using special hand tools to loosen and scrape away the calculus. This is why your regular dental cleanings are an important part of your checkup, helping you maintain strong and healthy gums and reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Detecting Early Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is common, and many people will have at least some form of gum disease during their lifetime. Initially, the symptoms can be so mild they are easily overlooked, but early gum disease, called gingivitis, is the ideal stage to catch this condition. Regularly seeing your dentist will ensure any signs of gingivitis are quickly detected so prompt treatment can be provided.

During your dental checkup, your dentist carefully monitors your gum health, taking measurements they compare from one appointment to the next. They can soon see if there have been any changes since your last appointment, and gingivitis is often very easy to treat. It’s normally curable by having your teeth professionally cleaned and taking care to improve your oral care at home, following your dentist’s and hygienist’s instructions closely.

Reducing Your Risk of Tooth Loss

Advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, is a common cause of tooth loss as eventually, the disease destroys not only your gums but the bone around your teeth, causing them to loosen gradually. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to save teeth loosened by gum disease. When your dentist can detect and treat gum disease early, your risk of tooth loss and potentially a large dental bill is greatly reduced.

Treating Tooth Decay

Dental plaque and calculus buildup create the perfect conditions for tooth decay to develop as the weak acid produced by the bacteria in these substances attacks the tooth enamel, gradually eroding it and causing cavities. When you see your dentist regularly, they can carefully check your teeth for any signs of white spots or tiny lesions that indicate the first signs of tooth decay. Sometimes these lesions are easily treatable with topical fluoride applications to re-harden tooth enamel. Other times you may need a little filling to restore the tooth fully. It’s far preferable than leaving an untreated cavity because eventually, the cavity will reach your tooth nerve, by which stage you will experience unpleasant toothache and tooth pain.

An infected tooth nerve requires root canal therapy, where the nerve and other tissues inside your tooth are removed and the infection eliminated. Afterward, the tooth must be protected with a dental crown. If the infection is especially severe and has developed into a dental abscess, your dentist might not be able to save the tooth and could need to extract it to help clear up the infection. Both are costlier options than having a small filling or fluoride treatment.

In addition to regular checkups, we also offer custom mouthguards to protect your teeth from grinding or sports injuries, which are also common causes of damage.

If it’s time for your next checkup, don’t wait. Atlas Park Dental in Glendale, NY, is here to make your visit easy, comfortable, and worthwhile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.