What to Expect at a Dental Checkup

A routine visit with a general dentist is called a dental checkup. These appointments are relatively straightforward. They offer powerful insight into your oral health and establish a baseline for the dentist when recommending preventative and corrective services. This baseline extends to how you care for your teeth at home. Knowing what to expect at a dental checkup can help you better prepare.

Before the dental checkup

Dental checkups require little to no physical preparation. Patients can complete their oral hygiene routines as normal. However, it is a good idea to review information regarding their dental insurance provider. While we proudly accept multiple insurance providers, we do not have any control over what services and magnitude they cover. We encourage patients to contact their dental insurance providers and inquire about which corrective and preventative services they cover. Of course, we also offer financing options if necessary, which patients can call our office to inquire about.

During the dental checkup

We ask that patients arrive 15 minutes before their appointment to complete the necessary paperwork. Moreover, patients may want to come without dangling jewelry or extravagant headpieces, as they may need to be removed during certain phases of the appointment. During the appointment, patients can expect the following:

Oral imaging

For new patients or those who have not received dental X-rays within the past few years, a dental assistant will guide them to a small room for imaging. The patient will receive a lead apron and a new, sterilized bitewing. The former will go over the shoulders, chest, and stomach. The latter will go into the mouth. The dental assistant will position the machine at various angles, pointing toward the mouth and jaws to capture images.

Physical examination

After imaging, patients will speak with the general dentist and review their X-ray findings. The dentist will also perform a physical examination that includes checking for signs of decay, fractures, infection, and oral cancer. This process is simple and painless, as the dentist may only need a small mirror and periodontal probe. If they discover abnormalities, they will note them in the patient's records and make appropriate recommendations.

Dental cleaning

Dental hygienists usually perform dental cleanings. It involves manually removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque). They use various tools to clean above and below the gumline as well as between the teeth. The dental hygienist will also educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices, products, and tools that prove more effective for the patient's oral condition. This portion of the appointment typically takes the longest, though the entire appointment can last up to 60 minutes.

Follow appointments

It is important to note that if any corrective services are necessary, such as fillings or crowns, the dentist will not perform them during the dental checkup. Dental checkups are simply to acquire a baseline for the patient's oral health and remove harmful substances like plaque and tartar. However, if the general dentist recommends a corrective service, patients can schedule it relatively quickly following the checkup. Patients will schedule their next appointment six months later if no additional services are necessary.