How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
While most people know that appointments for dental cleanings and checkups are important, they don’t always know how often they need to occur. You may be wondering how often you should be visiting the dentist for a regular cleaning and examination. Below is information about cleanings and examinations, including how frequently you should be visiting your dentist.
How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
The question of how often you should visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups isn’t the same for everyone, but a general rule of thumb is every six months. There are some patients that require additional care, though. These patients may be asked to visit three or four times a year. This may be ongoing or until the patient has fully recovered from a treatment.
What Does a Visit for a Cleaning Look Like?
During your visit to the dentist for a regular cleaning and checkup, there are a few things you should expect. The first is filling out any paperwork, particularly if you are a new patient. Your dentist will want to know some general information, along with your oral health history and insurance information. From there, your hygienist will call you when you are ready and assign you a seat. They will perform a thorough examination, which may include X-rays. From there, your hygienist will clean your teeth with special tools to help them remove built-up plaque, tartar, and debris. Finally, they will polish your teeth.
Once your hygienist is done, your dentist will take a look at your teeth, gums, and overall oral cavity. They will determine whether any additional services are needed. If so, they will make sure you have an appointment scheduled.
As a new patient, it is helpful to arrive a little early to fill out paperwork. The actual treatment should only take around 45 minutes to an hour.
What Services Does a General Dentist Provide?
There are a few services that general dentists will often provide. These include:
- Dental Cleaning
- Examination
- Fillings
- Extractions
While those services are pretty universal, there are other services that a general dentist may offer. These sometimes include:
- Deep teeth cleaning (scaling and root planing)
- Dental implants
- Root canal therapy
- Dental bridges
- Dental crown placement
- And more
If you have any questions about what services we offer, browse our website or give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss the services we offer with you.
Reach Out Today
If you are ready to schedule an appointment for a cleaning and checkup, reach out today. We’d be happy to book an appointment for your treatment services. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call. We’ll answer any pre-examination questions you may have.
We look forward to meeting you!
Related Article: Holistic Dentistry