Dental Cleaning & Checkup – Brandon, SD

Your smile can last for a lifetime with the right care over the years. Besides your oral hygiene habits at home, the American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a dental cleaning and checkup to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Although you may not believe you need an appointment until a problem arises, routine preventive services protect your smile from common oral health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. You can invest in your dental health by scheduling a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Here’s what you can expect during your regular preventive visit.

Importance of Semi-Annual Appointments

No matter how well you brush and floss, there are still areas in your mouth you can’t clean at home, allowing plaque and tartar to accumulate. If the buildup isn’t removed, it significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Without regular dental visits, the issues can go undetected until they turn into a big problem that might require emergency care.

A cleaning and dental checkup allows your dentist to monitor your oral health to keep your teeth and gums healthy. By doing so, it lessens the likeliness of needing a costly treatment in the future. In fact, research shows every $1 spent on prevention can save you as much as $50 on restorative and emergency services. If you have dental insurance, your benefits often cover routine appointments 100%, so you can invest in a healthy smile without worrying about a large dental bill.

Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning is a non-invasive method used to remove tartar buildup to preserve your gum health. Your dental hygienist will use special dental instruments to gently clean your teeth to resolve any calcified plaque. They will learn more about your current home oral hygiene habits and make recommendations to improve your brushing and flossing routine to keep your smile healthy in between your semi-annual visits.

Dental Checkup

In addition to a thorough cleaning, you should also have a dental checkup at least twice a year. Our office uses diagnostic tools, like X-rays, to have a full picture of your oral health. We’ll begin by looking at your teeth for any signs of cavities, weakened enamel, or other complications. Your dentist will closely examine your gums to spot any inflammation or signs of periodontal disease. While performing our visual examination, we’ll check the entirety of your oral tissues to look for any abnormalities that might require attention, like alignment or bite concerns.

Finally, we’ll review your X-rays to ensure there aren’t any complications below the surface, like an infection. We will take the time to explain our findings and answer any questions. Depending on the results of your checkup, we may suggest additional treatments, like a fluoride varnish or periodontal therapy.

Schedule Your Next Cleaning and Checkup

Invest in a healthy smile that lasts using the power of preventive dentistry. Contact our office today to schedule your next visit for a cleaning and checkup.