What Does a Dentist Do During a Dental Checkup?

A dental checkup allows your dentist to check your oral health. The first visit will involve some steps to get to know you better. More assessments may occur if you have some changes in your health. Here are the details about what a dentist does during a dental checkup.

Learn the patient’s history

The dentist must learn about the patient’s medical and dental history during the dental checkup. The patient should provide a list of supplements, medications, and current medical conditions. Gathering the patient’s information lets the dentist know the patient’s circumstances and dental needs. This is the time when the patient may open up about dental anxiety. The dentist will listen and suggest interventions that can provide more calmness to the patient.

Assess the oral health

Performing an oral health assessment involves using a metal probe and an angled mirror. These tools will help see every side of teeth and gums. The dentist will also check the softening of the dentin and enamel. Part of the dental checkup will be measuring the gum pockets. Deep gum pockets can signal periodontal disease. The dentist will want to keep an eye on these gum pockets.

Order dental X-rays

During the dental checkup, the dentist can order dental X-rays. Doing so will see if there are issues underneath the gumline. The patient will bite down on a piece of plastic as an X-ray machine stays near the cheek. Images will show the dentist if there is any issue brewing in the mouth. The dentist can then recommend the ideal form of care for the patient.

Perform professional dental cleaning

Cleaning the patient’s mouth is part of every dental checkup. The provider will scrape off tartar and plaque deposits, above and below the gumline. A high-powered toothbrush and gritty toothpaste can remove the leftover plaque and dental calculus. The dentist will leave the teeth shiny after using a polisher. The smooth service will prevent plaque from sticking to the teeth.

Discuss test results

After the dental assessment, the dentist will discuss dental issues the patient may have. Suggesting the right treatment may involve telling the patient to come back for it at a scheduled date and time. Proper brushing and flossing techniques can help the patient maintain good oral health at home between appointments. Listening to the dentist’s instructions can help maximize the dental checkup results.

Schedule the next dental checkup

Setting the next appointment after six months will come next. Scheduling the next visit is an effective way to ensure the patient will remember the dental checkup. The patient must understand that keeping the scheduled visits can help protect one’s oral health. Choosing a date that will not affect work can give the patient peace of mind.