For residents of Woodland Hills, California, scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings likely doesn’t make the list of most exciting things to do, yet, one may argue that it is one of the most important. After all, it isn’t only your radiant smile that benefits from routine dental checkups and cleanings, your overall health does too.
But why are routine dental checkups so important and what should you expect when heading into your appointment?
We’ve taken a closer look at why this routine dental procedure is so crucial and what to expect when you head off to the dentist.
A regular dental checkup and cleaning is your first line of defense against a plethora of common issues related to the overall health of your teeth and gums. Additionally, by seeing a dental professional in Woodland Hills, California regularly, you can even catch potentially serious oral conditions before they start. Here are just a few of the many benefits of keeping those regularly scheduled oral hygiene checks.
Keep that beautiful smile strong and healthy: Often, cavities pop up without warning. Leading to pain, discomfort, and the need for fillings or more invasive treatments. Regular cleanings prevent pesky tartar buildup, which is one of the leading causes of cavities. Additionally, regular cleanings help keep your teeth whiter and your gums in tip-top shape so you can smile with confidence!
Prevent the need for costly procedures in the future: It's no secret that dental work can be expensive, especially when it comes to procedures such as root canals and extractions. Luckily, by maintaining a regular and consistent check-up and cleaning schedule, you’ll be far less likely to ever need such treatments. Often, the oral conditions leading up to more intensive treatments are easily preventable by seeing your dentist consistently and maintaining good oral hygiene in-between visits.
Keep gum disease in check: Gum disease afflicts over 8% of adults in the United States. In milder cases, it causes slight discomfort and bleeding, but in serious cases, it can lead to a breakdown of the bone that supports the teeth leading to tooth loss. By seeing your dentist regularly, you can help prevent or reverse the damage of gum disease before it leads to more serious issues.
Prevent bad breath: Neglected oral hygiene and untreated gum disease are some of the leading causes of bad breath. When you get a professional cleaning, your dentist can clean build-up in areas that are not always easy to reach on your own, resulting in an overall cleaner and fresher mouth. Additionally, regular checkups can help ward off gum disease that may also be contributing to halitosis.
Catch the warning signs of oral cancers early: While oral cancer is certainly a frightening diagnosis, when caught early enough it can be treated much easier and often successfully cured. Timing, however, is key. By receiving regular dental checkups, your dentist will screen for all the potential warning signs.
Detect problems that may be invisible to the naked eye: Sometimes problems aren’t always visible on the surface, this is why your dentist may decide to take a look a little deeper by utilizing oral x-rays to reveal problems that lie just below the surface such as impacted wisdom teeth.
Prevent other potentially serious medical conditions: In addition to checking for all the usual oral conditions, your dentist may actually be able to spot the warning signs of some other medical problems. By checking your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes, your dentist may spot abnormalities that may require a second look by your primary care doctor.
In order to get the most out of your visits, it's best to schedule your routine dental checkups and cleanings at least once a year, with every 6 months being the optimal interval between appointments. That said, depending on the state of your dental health, circumstances and other medical conditions, you may need more frequent checkups as recommended by your dentist.
Don’t put off getting the help you need. Reach out today and let us keep your smile happy and healthy.
If it's been a while since you’ve had a regular checkup, you might be wondering what to expect. We know that visiting the dentist can sometimes invoke a bit of anxiety, especially if you don’t know what is going to happen. Our compassionate dental team takes great care to ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable at every step, letting you know what is happening and why along the way.
Your regular dental checkup and cleaning in Woodland Hills will consist of two main components: the examination itself, followed by professional cleaning of those pearly whites.
First, during the checkup and examination portion of your visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth for cavities, plaque, and tartar buildup. Next, they will look at your gums, checking to make sure they are staying healthy and keeping gum disease at bay. Finally, they will look at your tongue, neck, face, throat, and head to check for any warning signs of cancer or other abnormalities.
If necessary, you will then receive x-rays to check for any issues below the surface of the teeth that may not be visible otherwise. Following this, your dentist may recommend treatments for anything discovered during your checkup.
For the second part of your appointment, you will receive a deep cleaning to remove all the hard to reach buildup that may have accumulated since your last visit. During the cleaning, your dentist will use special tools to remove tartar and then polish and remove stains on your teeth using a gritty paste followed by a thorough flossing.
At the end of the appointment, your dentist will advise you on the best oral routine to keep your teeth in the best shape possible until your next professional cleaning.
In most cases, dental insurance will cover routine checkups and cleanings for Woodland Hills patients. However, for those without insurance, the average cost of regular examinations and cleanings can range from $60 to $300 depending on the extent of services provided during that visit. If you have questions about costs beforehand, never hesitate to ask. Unlike hospitals, dental offices are very open and transparent about pricing and ways in which we can help you optimize any health insurance benefits or budget you may be working with.
Now that you know what to expect at a dental checkup and why it’s so important to stay on top of your oral health, you’re probably ready to book your next appointment. We’re excited to help you keep your pearly whites happy and healthy.
Dr. John M. Chaves, DDS is an experienced family dentist who helps Woodland Hills, California residents maintain their healthy smiles with the aid of friendly staff and state-of-the-art equipment. Call him today at (818)740-6737 to set up your next routine dental checkup and cleaning and see why Dr. Chaves is one of the most highly recommended dental professionals by families in the area.