Keeping your smile strong and free of serious oral health issues often means undergoing a checkup every few months. But when was the last time you had one? The pandemic has caused many people to avoid seeing the dentist, but you can make up for lost time with a visit to your Richfield, MN, dentist today!
Why We Need Checkups
A checkup is a chance for the dentist to accurately assess the current state of your smile, and identify possible risks in the early stages. This means intervention to treat them before they threaten the stability of your teeth. We recommend one every six months for kids and adults alike. We can identify issues like tooth decay, gingivitis, gum disease, and dental infection. We also watch for TMJ disorder, bruxism, and screen for oral cancer. For kids, we make sure the baby teeth are falling out on schedule and that permanent teeth are erupting properly.
Examining Your Smile
To make a diagnosis with accuracy and precision, we use advanced technology. Digital x-rays use 90% less radiation, and then images are available instantly chairside, so we don’t have to spend time developing them with harsh chemicals. We can walk you through the diagnostic process, and identify concerns that are not visible to the naked eye. We also look at the surfaces of the teeth and gums with advanced intraoral images too. We then create a treatment plan to address these issues, and to help protect your smile from complications down the road. To further safeguard your smile, we also clean the teeth.
The Dental Cleaning
Plaque buildup forms over time and can be a source of serious issues, from causing tooth decay and infections, to the onset of periodontal disease. But to protect the smile, we can remove all plaque and tartar with a professional dental cleaning, using an ultrasonic scaler and a manual tool to gently and carefully break up and remove all buildup from the smile. We can also discuss proper brushing and flossing habits to help lower the severity of plaque and tartar before your next dental cleaning visit.
If you have any questions about how we monitor your smile with routine six-month dental checkups, or about how we safeguard your smile against disease and decay with a dental cleaning, then contact our team today to learn more. We would love to help you and your family enjoy good oral health and bright smiles for years to come.
Set Up Your Next Appointment Today
We would like to help you start your summer with a bright and healthy smile. If you have any questions about the process of examining and treating your smile, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact your Richfield, MN, dentist, Dr. Keller, by calling (612) 861-7188.