About Dental Checkups and Cleanings
By coming to see us for a checkup and cleaning, our team is able to accomplish two important goals regarding your oral health. One, it gives us the chance to catch and treat any dental problems while they are still in their early stages, and two, we also have the opportunity to get to know you as a person so we can come up with a personalized treatment plan. Also at these appointments, one of our hygienists will expertly remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, safeguarding you from cavities while breaking up minor surface stains.
Why Preventive Dentistry’s the Best Route to Take
As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than 10 pounds of cure.” This represents our outlook and approach to oral health at our Dallas office. That’s because we understand how easy it makes life to identify potential problems early and correct them, instead of waiting on them to get worse before taking action. If you’re looking to avoid painful and expensive dental hiccups, then contact us today to schedule a cleaning and expert checkup with Drs. Hamlett and La Mastra.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Checkups?
Regular dental checkups at our Dallas, TX dental practice offer several benefits for your total dental wellness. The key advantages of dental checkups include:
- Maintaining the wellness of your teeth
- Decreased risk of tooth loss
- Potential to carry out x-rays or more diagnostic tests
- Education about proper flossing and brushing methods
- Breath-freshening effects
- Early detection of dental health concerns
- Proactive care and management
- Individualized dental advice
- Better oral hygiene
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How the Dental Cleaning is Performed
Before examining your teeth, we’ll make sure that any built-up plaque and tartar are removed, which involves one of our highly-trained staff members performing a thorough cleaning. This is critical to your oral health because it eradicates harmful substances that can’t be removed by simply brushing and flossing. Furthermore, oral bacteria, plaque, and tartar growth are the leading contributors to poor dental health that requires complex and costly dental treatments to restore normal function.
Instead of just cleaning the surface of your teeth, we’ll make sure that the most troublesome accumulation along the gum line is removed so you won’t have to worry about bacteria lingering and leading to the following issues:
- Gum disease
- Unpleasant breath
- Cavity development
- Tooth loss
- A greater chance of developing oral cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, and heart disease
The Purpose of a Dental Checkup
Once we have removed any bacteria, plaque, and tartar, our dentists will use their expert eyes and hands to perform a thorough examination. He’ll be looking for signs of such issues as tooth or gum decay, jaw malformation, warning signs of oral cancer, and other possible problems.
Afterward, he’ll sit down with you to discuss the condition of your oral health. At this time, you’ll also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to receive important pointers to implement moving forward. Therefore, you can leave our office feeling empowered to take full control of the future of your oral health.
When Should You Visit?
There is no time like the present to start a new habit of maintaining excellent oral health. By being proactive in your efforts, you can also put a halt to any developments before they become more complex.
We typically recommend patients visit every six months for preventive care. However, if you have a history of cavities or other issues related to oral bacteria growth, then our dentists may suggest a higher frequency. Therefore, we can more closely monitor your progress to ensure you’re as healthy as possible.
Dental Checkups FAQ
Does a dental checkup hurt?
No, most patients don't find a dental checkup painful or even uncomfortable. During your routine dental cleaning that's part of your checkup, our experienced team will gently and expertly remove stubborn tartar and plaque so it should be comfortable even for people with sensitive teeth.
How long does a dental checkup take?
Depending on your oral health and if any dental issues need to be discussed, a typical dental checkup at Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS is about 30 – 45 minutes. If any further testing is recommended, it may take up to an hour.
How often do I need a dental checkup?
According to the American Dental Association, patients should have regular dental checkups and cleanings at least once or twice a year. The frequency of your dental checkups will depend on your oral health and your dentist's recommendations. Dr. Hamlett and Dr. La Mastra typically recommend that patients have routine dental checkups every six months to remove stuck-on tartar and plaque while monitoring oral health for potential issues so they can be treated early to achieve the best outcomes.
What does a routine dental checkup include?
As stated above, a typical dental checkup at Hamlett & La Mastra DDS in Dallas, TX includes:
- Teeth cleaning
- Examination for: oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, and more
- A conversation about your oral health
- Oral health planning
- X-rays or other diagnostic tests, if needed
Are dental check-ups covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of regular dental check-ups and cleanings. However, coverage can vary, so it's important to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Can I visit the dentist during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe and recommended to visit the dentist during pregnancy. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health, which can affect your overall health and the health of your baby. Be sure to inform our team at Drs Hamlett and La Mastra that you are pregnant, as they may take additional precautions during your visit.
Your Wallet Will Thank You
Once you get into your new groove of visiting us for checkups and cleanings, you’ll enjoy more than just better oral health. You’ll also see some relief in your wallet since these visits are typically less expensive than other forms of care while providing an opportunity to prevent the need for far more costly procedures.
To experience the win-win situation we provide at our Dallas practice, contact us today to schedule a visit with Drs. Hamlett and La Mastra, and prepare for newly rekindled oral health!
