Check Ups

Regular check-ups are the frontline of dentistry. Before you need major work, a reputable dentist will catch minor problems before they have the chance to develop. This kind of preventative appointment should take place regularly — ideally every 4 – 6 months. When you schedule a check-up at the office of Walter R. Below, DMD, you can expect a full exam.

Evaluation

The dentist is doing the legwork during this stage of the exam. A visual inspection of the mouth and gums can reveal common dental problems like recession, cavities, or tartar buildup. Ideally, the dentist won’t discover serious issues like severe decay or erosion if you’re keeping up with the recommended checkup schedule. (As an aside, we encourage you to make appointments between check-ups if you notice anything out of the ordinary or concerning.)

The evaluation is also a great chance for the dentist to give you advice for upkeep at home. For instance, if you’re brushing too hard or if you’re missing a particular spot when you floss. These tips are a great way to stave off even the small issues that can arise from session to session.

Assessment

Assessing the entire mouth is a task in and of itself. The dentist looks at how your teeth interact with one another and how the gums affect your mouth’s stability. When people think about their jaw, teeth, and gums, they may think of them as relatively fixed components. However, a dentist will be able to see how teeth and gums shift over time. So if your wisdom teeth are crowding your back molars or causing your front teeth to come together, they can tell you more about how the progression will affect your health.

Strategy Implementation

For some patients, the assessment will be relatively straightforward. The course of action could be as easy as regular cleaning and scheduling another check-up in the next six months. In other cases, patients may need additional treatments. At Walter R. Below, DMD, the goal is always to explain each step, including the pros and cons, so all patients can make informed decisions. Whether it’s a small cavity that can be taken care of in one session or a round of braces that lasts several months or more, you can learn more about the best strategy for you and how it will be implemented.

Removal of Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a type of film that builds up on the teeth over the course of the day. There are so many bacteria in plaque, and it comes from the foods you eat and the beverages you drink. If that plaque isn’t removed quickly, it turns into tartar. The major difference is who can remove it. While plaque is relatively simple to get rid of, particularly if you have excellent brushing habits, tartar can only be removed by a dentist. No matter how diligent you are, it’s likely that you have some degree of both on your teeth. When you see the dentist for a check-up in Westlake, OH, you leave the office with fresh breath and squeaky clean teeth.

Dentists In Westlake

Check-ups are easy to put off, but the reality is they save you time over the course of your life. Instead of spending time dealing with one headache after another, check-ups can ensure a clean bill of oral health every few months.