Why are check-ups important? A guide from our dentist
Your phone pings, you check the message, and you roll your eyes. It’s time to book yourself in for, or to attend, a dental check-up!
Yes, we know it’s not fun, and if you are like most dental patients, you will already be thinking of a way to push the appointment back. But, there is a reason we recommend seeing our patients once every six months, and it is all about keeping you healthy.
When you come to see our dentist Coorparoo at Brisbane Laser Dentist, our goal is to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to help you reach the aesthetic goals that you want with our range of cosmetic dental care. Great!
So, why exactly are dental checkups so important? Our dentist Coorparoo explains below.
Identify issues early
Regular check-ups with our dentist Coorparoo can also help detect and diagnose any problems early on when they are easier to treat. For example, if a cavity is caught early, it can usually be treated with a filling, but if it’s allowed to progress, it may require a more extensive and expensive procedure.
Also, in a similar vein, gum disease, if caught early, is not only easier to treat but will be less expensive to you too. Great!
Prevent tooth decay
A big reason to see our dentist every six months is to prevent decay.
Dental decay, if not treated, can not only cause unsightly issues but also be uncomfortable, as cavities that are left for long enough can penetrate the tooth and expose the nerve.
Our team can prevent tooth decay by applying fluoride sealants to weak teeth, prescribing high-fluoride toothpaste and removing plaque.
Prevent gum disease
Much in the same way, seeing our team regularly can help you avoid gum disease.
Periodontal disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth right next to the gums or, in some cases, underneath the gum line; this can be hard to remove with flossing and brushing alone. Our team, with our range of tools, can remove plaque from the teeth and under the gumline to prevent build-ups that can lead to gum disease.
Oral cancer screening
Our team can detect oral cancer by performing a visual examination of the mouth, throat, and surrounding areas during a routine check-up. They will look for any signs of abnormal growths, discolouration, or sores that do not heal.
During an oral cancer screening, we will typically start by looking at your lips, gums and throat, under your tongue and around your inner cheeks. We will also examine the face, neck, and jawline for lumps or swellings. We will also feel for any abnormalities in the size or shape of the lymph nodes in the neck.
If our team suspects the presence of oral cancer, they will refer the patient to an oral surgeon or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for a biopsy.
Cosmetic work
We have said it before and will say it again: to qualify or be suitable for cosmetic dental work, you will need to have good oral health overall.
So, by coming to see our team regularly, you will have the opportunity to not only pass all manner of check-ups but also ask our team about any potential cosmetic work that you may want to pursue.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.