Regular Dental Checkup
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. It’s a critical part of your oral health and something we recommend to all of our patrons. Dental checkups should be completed every six months to maintain proper optimal health.
Regular Dental Checkups in Wichita, KS
A dental checkup provides us with the opportunity to examine your oral health and monitor any changes that have occurred since your last visit. There are a variety of things a regular dental checkup could include, all of which are critical pieces to your oral health.
At our dental checkup appointments, we first examine your teeth to identify any cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. We then clean and scrape away any plaque and bacteria, and polish your teeth to remove any surface stains. Additionally, we conduct an oral cancer check to look for signs of any diseases. This process helps us catch any dental issues early on and provide you with a feeling of freshness.
Occasionally on visits, we will use digital X-rays to obtain a detailed view of your oral structure and detect any conditions that may be hidden beneath the surface such as internal decay, periodontitis, jawbone deterioration, cysts, and oral cancer. We also conduct these efficiently, so any discomfort is minimized, and we share the images with you if it’s necessary.
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What is an oral cancer screening?
Every time we provide care, we’re observing many different aspects of your overall health. Most people are surprised at the large amount of surface area that lines the mouth. While this lining repairs itself quickly, it is susceptible to changes that may require monitoring or further evaluation.
Oral cancer can afflict anyone although tobacco users put themselves at significantly higher risk than non-users. Chewing tobacco contains up to 3000 different chemicals, including the same compounds used in pesticides and embalming fluid. Cellular changes below the surface aren’t always detectable until they’ve advanced to a critical stage.
However, early detection and treatment of oral cancer significantly increase the chance of a positive outcome. The American Cancer Society reports that about 7,000 deaths result from oral cancer out of 30,000 cases diagnosed annually. If we suspect any unusual changes in your mouth tissue, we may suggest a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab.
Many other non-cancerous changes can occur in your mouth’s tissue, from oral warts to autoimmune lesions.
As a side note, we understand tobacco holds powerful addictive powers over many health-conscious people. If you’re determined to quit, we want to be a supportive partner in your efforts. Talk to your hygienist or Dr. Ashley Humlicek about strategies and resources for kicking the habit.
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Why is regular teeth cleaning important?
While dental emergencies can strike anyone, our patients who commit to regular preventive care present with significantly fewer problems over time. Professional cleanings with a registered dental hygienist allow us to bring a blend of proactive efforts to you. Deposits of mineralized plaque, known as tartar, adhere to certain areas of the teeth, even with your best efforts. These deposits offer suitable housing for millions of harmful bacteria to reside. Left unchecked, they produce a flood of toxins into the gums. This frequently cascades into devastating chronic problems, even resulting in loss of the teeth.
When you visit us periodically, we can gently remove the deposits from the tooth surfaces. Without sitting undisturbed, bacterial tartar doesn’t have the same opportunity to produce irreversible damage. Furthermore, we use professional-strength polishing paste that gently buffs away stain and microscopic plaque, leaving your teeth ultra-smooth and shiny. Since discoloration settles into the enamel of your teeth over time, this helps slow yellowing while maintaining a glassy surface for better cleansing.
More Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your dental checkup, contact our office and we'll be happy to help.
