Many dentists say you should schedule a routine dental exam every six months, but other dental professionals recommend annual appointments. There is no decisive rule for how often routine dental exams should occur, but patients at low risk of oral diseases can visit the dentist less frequently. Others with more severe dental conditions will likely need to go more often.
Regardless of the state of your teeth and gums, Greenwood Dental can help you determine the best plan for your oral health. Contact us online or call us at 855.528.3961 to schedule the first of your comprehensive dental exams in Lake County, IL.
Why Do Dentists Recommend Routine Dental Exams?
A routine dental exam is an essential appointment because it allows your dental team to clean your teeth and help you maintain good oral hygiene. They will be able to observe them and detect any signs of problems such as tooth decay, oral cancer, or gum disease.
If a dentist spots a potential problem during a routine dental exam, they will be able to talk with you about possible treatment options quickly before the problems get worse. As you consider when to have a routine dental exam, it’s essential to realize that the sooner you address and treat oral issues, the less complicated, expensive, and painful the corrective procedures will be.
During routine dental exams and check-ups, your dentist can observe and practice preventive hygiene through procedures like:
- Scaling
- Root planing
- Removing hardened plaque
- Taking X-rays
- Preventing the chances of gum disease
During these regular visits, X-rays allow the dentist to view areas of your teeth and below the gum line that may help them diagnose oral problems that are not easily visible with the naked eye.
How Often Should I Get a Routine Dental Exam?
Ultimately, your dentist will determine the appropriate time you can wait between your oral hygiene visits and regular check-ups. Depending on your at-home dental health practices and the condition of your teeth and gums, they may recommend an appointment every six, nine, or 12 months.
Many dental problems don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in a more advanced stage. These progressive stages make treatment and follow-up more extensive. Routine dental exams can detect many different conditions, including:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
Even if you feel healthy today, you are still at risk for dental diseases. This risk will evolve over the years as they are affected by factors like illness and dietary changes.
There is no reason to risk your oral health by avoiding the dentist. Call Greenwood Dental today to discuss your oral history and how we can help secure the healthy future of your mouth.
Scheduling Additional Dental Appointments
Sometimes, you will need to see the dentist more frequently than your regular appointment schedule. These additional visits usually stem from changes to your health or injury.
Changes to Your Dental Health
If you recently had changes in your dental health, you may want to schedule a check-up sooner rather than later. Some of the changes to take note of include:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Shifting teeth
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth pain
- Sensitivity to cold or hot beverages
Recent Dental Work
If you have recently had dental work, such as a filling, crown, or oral surgery, you will likely need to return to your dentist for follow-up appointments and a routine dental exam to ensure that your teeth and gums are healing well.
Learn More Greenwood Dental
If you haven’t visited a dentist in the last year, you may need to schedule a routine dental exam soon. Thankfully, the team at Greenwood Dental makes it easy to schedule an appointment and develop a routine dental plan.
Call our oral hygiene professionals today at 855.528.3961 or contact us online to schedule your appointment and let us help you take great care of your teeth.
