It’s the start of a new year, and that means it’s time to set new goals to accomplish. If one of your resolutions is to improve your oral health, our team at Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, is here to help you. Before planning to improve your periodontal health or replace missing teeth, make sure you schedule a cleaning and examination to evaluate the current health of your smile. This initial checkup can help look for common oral health problems like cavities, gingivitis, and more, so your dentist can update your treatment plan.
What Your Checkup Includes
A dental checkup will include a professional cleaning by your skilled hygienist, and thorough examination of your teeth and gums by your dentist. The cleaning can help remove plaque that can build up on your pearly whites over time. By removing the plaque, you can reduce the chances of cavities and protect your smile. After this, your dentist may take X-rays and closely examine your teeth, gums, and overall smile to look for any potential concerns. They may look for signs of decay or gingivitis so that treatments can be planned as early as possible if necessary. These checkups should start as early as three years old and continue throughout your adulthood.
Follow Through With Restorations
After you have had your cleaning and examination, your dentist can update your treatment plan with restorative care to improve your oral health. For example, they may recommend that you come in for dental fillings if you have cavities. It’s important that you schedule these additional treatments as soon as possible to protect your oral health. A dental filling is a minimally invasive process that will include removing the damaged part of your tooth, cleaning the space, and adding a stronger material to the tooth. By having this restoration done, you can protect your pearly whites from more serious decay and avoid the need for more invasive restorations.
Ask About Cosmetic Treatment Options
In some cases, your smile may be in great health but may not look the way you want. We offer various cosmetic treatment options that can help improve the appearance of your pearly whites and give you a boost of confidence. To learn more about these options, talk to your dentist today. During a consultation, they can determine the type of staining you have on your teeth and help you choose the right cosmetic solution for your needs. A bonding and contouring treatment, for instance, can help disguise stubborn stains and help your smile appear more symmetrical.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
A cleaning and examination to start the year can help ensure that your smile is healthy. To schedule your appointment, call Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at 612-861-7188.
