Frequent preventive appointments to your Lombard, IL dentist are important; but if you are acing your at-home hygiene routine, do you really need a teeth cleaning every six months? Below, learn Dr. Julie Glud’s answer to “Is routine teeth cleaning near me really necessary?”.
Looking for a new dentist near Lombard, IL? Dr. Julie Glud loves meeting new patients and helping them achieve better oral health and more beautiful smiles. To make the first visit easier, we offer new patient specials that help you save money, and get to know our team a little better. To learn more about our practice or to schedule your first visit, call us at 630-629-5700.
What happens at a routine dental appointment?
The American Dental Association recommends regular appointments with your general dentist to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. Most general dentists interpret this guideline to suggest bi-annual appointments for patients with strong overall oral health. At our Lombard dental practice, we use these regular check-ups as a chance to perform a thorough exam of the mouth, checking for any health issues that could be negatively impacting your health (or may in the future). Usually, our typical routine appointment includes these basic services:
- Dental x-rays, in order to help Dr. Glud see what’s occurring below the gum line.
- Examinations, where Dr. Glud looks for signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching), or signs of sustained tooth trauma, such as chips or cracks.
- Dental cleanings, in order to remove tartar (or hardened plaque) buildup.
- Oral cancer screenings, checking for visible signs of cancer.
Do I really need a routine examination twice a year?
We understand better than ever before the deep connections between your oral health and overall well-being. By staying on top of your oral health, you not only can prevent invasive and costly restorative procedures down the road, but you can support and improve your health.
Even if you believe yourself to be a diligent brusher and flosser, avid brushers can still develop tartar. This hardened plaque substance cannot be removed at home; only our dental professionals can effectively get rid of this destructive, bacteria-filled substance using specially-designed dental tools. Failure to regularly remove tartar results in excessive tartar build-up and a greater chance of developing periodontal disease or tooth decay.
Because of this, we advise everyone—even those patients with a long record of being cavity-free—to always attend an appointment and cleaning every six months. Maintaining regular appointments means cleanings should be easier and faster since excessive tartar won’t have to be removed.
Finally, it’s important to remember that preventive care is much more affordable than restorative care. If you are looking for ways to save in health care costs, staying on top of your routine dental appointments can pay off in a big way! For instance, when tooth decay is caught early, a small filling is not only easier and faster to complete than a porcelain crown, but much more affordable, too.
How do I receive my next teeth cleaning?
If it’s been more than six months since your last tooth cleaning, schedule a routine appointment with Dr. Julie Glud! We understand that your schedule is full; however, by making the time for regular appointments, you’ll not only protect your smile, but your checkbook, too!
