If you are like many patients, it’s possible you might be procrastinating your next dental visit. Some people feel uncomfortable during dental appointments so they avoid the appointments, while other people are so busy that they find it difficult to prioritize time for these routine checkups.
But the truth is that maintaining a regular schedule for a general dental check-up makes a big difference in your oral health. The seemingly small maintenance and preventive services add up over time, helping to protect your beautiful smile over the years.
So, if it’s time to schedule a dental visit, then we invite you to reach out to our experienced team at myDental. We offer comprehensive dental care for the entire family, giving you one convenient location where you can access everything you need.
Early Diagnosis for the Best Outcomes
Even if you are consistent about regular brushing and flossing at home, it’s inevitable that most patients will experience dental problems at some point in life. So, you need to schedule a teeth check-up, regardless of your current dental health. Patients with healthy smiles still benefit from consistent examinations because any potential signs of tooth decay or gum disease can be identified in the earliest stages.
This early diagnosis is important because it means that we can use less invasive treatments to obtain optimal results. For example, if a small area of the tooth is starting to decay, then it’s likely that a basic tooth filling will be sufficient. But if the tooth decay is left untreated, then it can start to move deeper in the tooth and might require a root canal, crown, or even tooth extraction in the future.
Our team at myDental takes a proactive approach by always prioritizing minimally invasive and early treatments whenever possible. We know that catching potential issues when they are small can preserve your natural teeth and minimize complications down the road.
What Are We Checking for During Your Dental Visits?
Each dental visit has two main focuses: cleaning your teeth and completing a thorough examination to check for issues that need to be treated. Some of the existing conditions we are looking for include:
- Cavities: Small areas of tooth decay can quickly progress into a rotting tooth, especially when the treatment is delayed. If tooth decay spreads, then it results in more expensive and costly treatments. It’s best to treat cavities in the earliest stages.
- Gum Disease: Did you know that receding gums and damage from gum disease can cause irreversible damage? If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis while visiting the dentist, then we will encourage timely treatment to prevent it from progressing into periodontitis. Severe gum disease should be avoided since it can result in tooth loss and potential systemic health issues.
- Oral Infections: If there are untreated infections in your mouth, then they can worsen into more serious conditions. You might experience pain and swelling, requiring emergency dental care. During our regular dental check-ups, we check for signs of any oral infections.
- Broken or Cracked Teeth: Even if there is minor damage to your tooth, it can worsen into serious damage in the future. It’s best to identify and treat these issues as soon as possible so you can avoid expensive restoration procedures later on.
Potential Risks of Delaying Your Dental Visit
Skipping your regular dental visits can lead to costly results down the road. Here are some of the issues that you might be dealing with if you procrastinate your dental check-ups:
- Expensive Costs: Early interventions not only preserve your natural teeth, but if treatments are needed, then the costs are relatively minimal. On the other hand, when these small issues are left untreated, then you might need to pay for more expensive treatments in the future. Compare the cost of a small filling with the price of a root canal and crown, and you will see how regular dental checkups save you money overall. Neglecting your oral health can be a financial burden in the future.
- Developing Problems: One benefit of a dental visit is that the cleaning removes any buildup on your teeth (plaque and tartar). Since the buildup can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, then there is a higher likelihood of having these issues if you skip your cleaning and examination appointments.
- Impact on Overall Health: Researchers have found that oral health plays an important role in your overall health. Did you know that there is a link between oral infections and heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions? If you want to maintain good health, then you need to go to the dentist twice a year for check-ups.
FAQ
How long is too long from seeing a dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist every six months. If it’s been longer than six months, then it’s time to schedule an appointment.
How long should you wait between dental visits?
Most people should wait 6 months between appointments. But if you have gum disease or other oral health complications, then your dentist might recommend more frequent appointments (as often as every 3 months).
How do I go back to the dentist after a long time?
It might seem scary to go to the dentist if you haven’t been in a long time. Rest assured knowing that we are here to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. All you need to do is pick up the phone and schedule an appointment and we’ll handle the rest.
How long should a dental appointment last?
A routine dental visit usually lasts around 1 hour. If you are having other treatments at the same time, then your appointment might be a little longer.
Call A Trusted Dental Team
Is it time for you to schedule a dental visit? For more details about maintaining a healthy smile, explore our dentistry services. myDental is here to help, offering family-focused dental care for people of all ages. You can schedule an appointment at one of our nearby locations. Call our office for more information.