Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Lakewood, CO
Keeping Smiles Healthy and Bright
To maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, you need a solid at-home oral hygiene routine. But brushing and flossing on your own can only do so much. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends getting a dental checkup and dental cleanings every six months. At these appointments, your dentist in Lakewood will remove built-on plaque and tartar that you may have missed on your own and check your teeth and gums for things like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, which could be developing without you even realizing it. Doing so will not only save you time and money, but it could potentially save your smile and your life!
Why Choose Dedicated Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Dental Insurance Welcome
- Sedation Options Available
- We Treat Patients of All Ages
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
While it may be tempting to skip out on routine dental visits when your mouth looks and feels fine, doing so can ultimately cost you more in the long run. That’s because your dental checkup and cleaning was designed to do more than just leave your teeth looking brighter. It also removes harmful plaque that could eventually turn into a cavity, or even spot decay before it requires a crown or root canal.
Most dental insurance plans cover two dental checkups and cleanings a year, but things like fillings and other restorations usually result in out-of-pocket expenses. Routine visits can also help reduce your risk of dental emergencies like painful toothaches. Furthermore, because poor oral health has been linked to many other overall health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease, keeping your smile healthy with routine preventive care could ultimately save your life!
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
At your dental checkup, your dentist and dental team will:
- Provide a thorough visual examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and any existing dental work.
- Screen your soft tissues for oral cancer.
- Take any necessary X-rays (usually once a year) to detect any issues developing underneath the surface.
- Create a treatment plan for any issues that are detected.
- Answer your questions about treatment or at-home oral hygiene care.
- Update and review your medical history, including any medications you may be taking that could affect your oral health.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Even despite brushing and flossing regularly at home, there are parts of your mouth that are impossible to clean on your own at home. This is where routine professional cleanings can help. During your visit, your dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar deposits that have accumulated on and between your teeth and along the gumline, reducing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.
Your teeth will then be polished to clear away minor surface stains and flossed to remove any lingering bits of debris.