What to Expect at a Routine Dental Checkup

You should visit your trusted dentist in Southern Missouri every 6 months for a routine dental checkup. Along with regular brushing and flossing, this is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, clean, and strong. 

A dental exam is a good way to find the possibility of oral health problems early and have a better chance of avoiding them altogether. When you come in for your regular dental checkup at Access Dental, here is what you can expect to happen. 

Teeth Cleaning
There are two parts to every dental checkup - cleaning and examination. Even with regular daily brushing and flossing, it is always possible to miss something. We can spot and get rid of the stuff you have missed.

Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria that you may be able to brush off, but when it is not removed right away, it can harden and become tartar. Tartar will not come off with just a toothbrush. Our office has special tools that can remove that tartar. Once it's all gone, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains that have formed since your last visit. Lastly, we will floss the teeth to make sure your mouth is completely clean.

Examination
If needed, x-rays may be taken. This allows the dentist to see any underlying problems inside or between teeth. Next, your teeth will be closely examined for any visible problems. Your gums will also be checked. The spaces between healthy gums and teeth are shallow. If they are deepening, that could be a sign of gum disease.

Expect the dentist to also look at the rest of your head, including the face, throat, and tongue, for signs of trouble. If there is any swelling or redness, this could be a clue that there is a problem somewhere in your mouth that needs to be treated.

Before & Between Checkups
During your visit to our dental clinic in Springfield, Missouri or one of our other offices closer to you, suggestions will be made for any improvements to your dental health routine between regular checkups. It's a very good idea to prepare for your checkup by making a list of questions that you would like to ask the dentist. That way you won't forget while you are here. You may also want to make a list of any changes you've noticed since your last visit, new health problems you have been diagnosed with, and medications you are taking regularly. All of these things will aid the dentist in diagnosing possible problems in your teeth and gums. 

You can make your regular checkups go a lot faster and much smoother if you adopt a good dental hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and be sure to floss daily. Using mouthwash also helps to control plaque bacteria.

If you did not schedule your next routine checkup after your last visit to Access Dental & Dentures, give us a call at 1-877-DENTIST and we'll help you get it on the calendar. Together, we will make sure that you have a healthy, beautiful smile for years and years to come!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605