Regular Examination
Regular dental examinations form the cornerstone of every preventive dental care plan.
When you first visit Jetty Road Dental, we assess your current dental and medical health and determine how often you should book regular dental examinations. Your medical history is important as there could be conditions that affect your oral health, and which might mean you would benefit from more frequent visits. Usually, most people only need to see a dentist every six months.
Why Regularly See a Dentist?
When you regularly see a dentist, we can monitor your dental health closely, detecting any changes at a stage when they are easier and quicker to treat using techniques that are less invasive and more comfortable. In the longer term, regular dental care is the most cost-effective way to protect and preserve your natural teeth.
What to Expect During Your Regular Examination?
At every appointment, we will ask if you have noticed any changes to your oral health or if there have been any changes to your general health, including new medications. These could affect the treatments recommended. We carefully assess each tooth and the condition of any restorations. Fillings, crowns and bridges and veneers eventually need replacing as they age, ensuring they continue to provide optimal protection for your teeth. If necessary, we will take dental x-rays. Usually, an adult with good dental health only requires x-rays every two years or so.
Protecting Your Overall Health
Your oral health is closely connected with your general health, and maintaining healthy gums is especially important. Gum disease, a bacterial infection, is a frequent cause of tooth loss. It has been linked to serious health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, dementia and diabetes. We take detailed records of your gum health at each dental examination for comparison at your next appointment. If you have early signs of gum disease, we can provide appropriate treatment before it adversely affects your oral and general health. Sometimes undiagnosed medical issues can create changes in your oral health. Our dentists can detect any changes, providing suitable treatment and advice.
Dentists are specifically trained to check oral tissues for any colour changes or changes to the texture of these tissues and for signs of lumps or sore spots that fail to heal within a week or two. These include the inside of your cheeks, your lips and tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth. Oral cancer is relatively rare, but the prognosis is far more favourable when detected early.
Our dental team are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your oral health, so please feel free to chat with us if you have any concerns or queries.