The Importance of Biannual Checkups & Cleanings

Besides your at-home oral healthcare routine, biannual checkups and cleanings are your best defense against dental issues. In fact, our highly-trained hygienists can clean away plaque and tartar buildup that you simply can’t reach at home, preventing issues like cavities and decay. These visits should never be prolonged because small issues can turn into much more severe dental problems.

Unlike other medical conditions that get better with time, dental issues will only get worse. Additionally, many dental problems like cavities and infection aren’t obvious to the untrained eye, making routine visits to our office imperative to your oral health.

What Happens at Your Dental Visit?

Every six months, you’ll come into our office for a routine checkup and cleaning that will typically take an hour’s time. Here is what you can expect during each part of your regular dental visit:

Cleaning

During your dental cleaning, one of our friendly dental hygienists will clean your mouth with special instruments to remove tartar buildup and plaque that couldn’t be reached at home. Tartar, something that can cause gum disease and decay, is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a professional. After cleaning, they will give your teeth a nice polish for a fresh look and feel. Lastly, they will floss your teeth to remove any remaining debris. They’ll explain why flossing is important and show you the proper technique. This is also a great opportunity to ask our knowledgeable hygienists about any tips that you can use to improve your at-home oral healthcare routine.

Checkup

Once your cleaning has been conducted, Dr. Villaruel or Dr. Foley will perform an in-depth examination. They will use X-Rays to get a better look at your dental structure and whether or not you have any decay. Your dentist in Murphy will also check the health of your gums to ensure that you’re not being affected by gum disease. However, the exam doesn’t stop with your teeth and gums. They will also provide an oral cancer screening that checks your head, neck, mouth, cheeks, throat, tongue, and other related areas for early signs of oral cancer.