What You Can Prevent By Attending a Dental Checkup

By Wright Smiles

If dentistry could be said to have one main goal, it would be to preserve your dental and overall health by preserving and protecting your teeth, gums, and oral tissues from diseases. Accomplishing this goal is a combined effort between you and your dentist, and requires daily care as well as regular professional maintenance at your dental checkups and cleanings. Attending a dental checkup every six months, or as often as specifically recommended, helps prevent issues from developing that could require extensive restorative work otherwise.

More than a Cleaning

Routine dental appointments consist of two stages; checking your oral tissues for symptoms of disease, and thoroughly cleaning your teeth of plaque and tartar that hide harmful bacteria. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice every day controls most of the plaque buildup that occurs on a daily basis. However, the miniscule spots that you miss here and there can calcify into tartar and remain there until removed with professional cleaning equipment. Our talented hygienist will thoroughly clear away the bacteria-laden films from every surface of your teeth and underneath your gum line to prevent issues that oral bacteria can incite, like tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and more.

Passing the Exam

In case the bacteria in plaque and tartar had a chance to cause damage since your last visit, we utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to check for early signs of common oral health issues. For instance, areas of increased enamel erosion could be a harbinger of tooth decay; irritated or slightly swollen gums could warn of gum disease; and lesions, ulcers, and other abnormalities might hint at high risk of oral cancer. If necessary, your checkup exam will include a discussion of any current issues, and the recommended treatment options to help you address them before they grow more serious.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.