More Than a Dental Cleaning

More Than a Dental CleaningYour biannual dental appointments are an essential component of your overall oral health. If you want to maintain the appearance and function of your teeth throughout your lifetime, you should make visits to your dentist every six months. During this time, your dentist or dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, but the cleaning isn’t all that happens. Your biannual visits also allow for thorough examinations, x-rays, preventive treatment, oral cancer screenings, and screenings for conditions like TMJ and bruxism. Your biannual visits are so much more than just a dental cleaning.

A Thorough Oral Examination Gives You Peace of Mind

The professional cleaning portion of your dental visit reaches areas of your mouth that you may not be reaching at home. While the cleaning is important, it’s only the beginning. Your oral examination checks for developing problems so that your dentist can recommend treatment. Your dentist may look at your teeth for signs of wear. Your dentist will also likely take x-rays of your mouth once per year, to gain a complete picture of what’s happening to the structure of your mouth. Early detection allows for quicker, more cost effective treatment.

Preventive Care Extends the Lifetime of Your Teeth

Another aspect of your biannual dental appointment is preventive care. If your dentist notices a problem, or if you simply haven’t received preventive care in some time, your dentist can administer this type of care. Fluoride treatment can remineralize teeth and fortify them against the wear caused by surface bacteria. Dental sealants are a preventive treatment used on younger patients to prevent bacterial buildup on hard-to-reach teeth. Your dentist may also screen your for oral cancer, to give you added peace of mind.

Conditions Like TMJ and Bruxism Disrupt Oral Health

Cavities aren’t the only thing that can harm your oral health. There are other oral conditions that can affect the way you sleep, your day-to-day comfort, and the long-term viability of your teeth. TMJ Disorders affect the joints in your jaw, making it painful to chew. This condition can lead to headaches and otherwise-unexplained oral pain. The same goes for Bruxism, or subconscious teeth grinding. This condition affects you while you sleep, so you may not realize you have it. Your dentist can screen for these types of conditions to keep you safe.

Make Your Biannual Appointment at Pacific Hills Dental

If you don’t have a biannual appointment on the books yet, now is the time to make your appointment at Pacific Hills Dental. Most dental insurance plans cover biannual appointments, so be sure to take advantage of your benefits. You can make an appointment for yourself, or for any of your family members. Schedule your preventive, biannual dental appointment at Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE by contacting our office at 402-330-2243.