Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Richmond, TX
Protect Your Smile with Preventive Checkups and Cleanings
Serious oral health problems like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease usually begin small and are often initially unnoticeable. Unfortunately, however, if not caught early, they can become more painful and costly the longer they’re missed.
While brushing and flossing your teeth at home are absolutely essential steps for safeguarding your smile, they do not go far enough to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months.
Why Choose Highline Dental for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Dental Insurance Welcome, Flexible Financing and In-House Membership Available
- New Patient Specials
- Evening Hours, Same Day, and Family Appointments Available
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
While it may not seem like a big deal to skip your routine dental checkups if your mouth looks or feels fine, unfortunately doing so can end up costing you more in the long run. Not only can dental cleanings remove dangerous plaque that could eventually lead to cavities, but they provide your dentist the opportunity to detect and treat emerging cavities while they’re still small and before they end up needing a crown or root canal to repair.
If you have dental insurance, most plans cover two check-ups and cleanings a year, but fillings or other restorative procedures will typically incur out of pocket expenses.
While we understand that you are busy, making the time for two quick dental visits each year could ultimately save you more time by avoiding the need for more invasive and time-consuming procedures like root canals or extractions later.
Furthermore, poor oral health has been linked to a variety of other dangerous medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Thus, by safeguarding your smile with regular preventive care, you could also reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Your routine dental checkup will typically follow the same steps each time. Your dentist and dental team will:
- Visually examine your teeth and gums, making note of your existing dental work and overall bite.
- Screen your soft tissues for oral cancer.
- Take X-rays (typically once a year) to detect any problems underneath the surface.
- Customize a treatment plan for any issues that are diagnosed.
- Answer any questions regarding your treatment or your home oral hygiene routine.
- Update and review your medical history and check for any conditions which may affect your oral health.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Even despite daily brushing and flossing, there are still parts of your mouth that are impossible for you to adequately clean on your own at home. This is where routine professional cleaning can help. During this portion of your appointment, your dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove the plaque and tartar that have accumulated on and between your teeth and along your gum line. Removing this buildup reduces your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.
Then, your teeth will be flossed and polished, clearing away minor surface stains.
