The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

Most of your oral hygiene routine happens at home, but dentists recommend a regular dental checkup at least every six months. If you have great dental health and nothing seems wrong, you may wonder if it’s okay to skip a checkup or two. Here’s why they matter!

Why Are Dental Checkups Important?

Dental checkups consist of a professional cleaning and exam. Even if you take great care of your teeth at home, there are always areas where plaque and tartar have built up. Tartar is hardened plaque, so only our special tools can remove it. We also catch problems like early-stage tooth decay and gum disease before they cause symptoms. Additionally, we perform an oral cancer screening.

What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

Most dental checkups take about 45-60 minutes. If you haven’t gotten X-rays in the last year, we’ll take those first and get a deeper look at your teeth. Without current X-rays, dentists cannot make a complete treatment diagnosis. We then gently remove tartar and plaque from your teeth, polish your tooth surfaces, and floss. The dentist arrives to check your X-rays and mouth for signs of gum disease, decay, oral cancer, and other issues. If needed, the dentist will also check your TMJ for any problems. If you suffer from sleep apnea, teeth grinding, or TMJ pain, we may recommend a custom oral appliance.

Are Dental Checkups Expensive?

If you have dental insurance, your provider will most likely pay for most if not all your two dental checkups for the year. Without insurance, checkups can cost hundreds of dollars, which is why we’re proud to offer an in-house membership. It’s designed for uninsured or underinsured patients. This annual membership gets you two routine cleanings and exams, standard new and recall patient X-rays, and a 15% discount on needed in-house treatments. The membership costs $300 for adults, $250 for a spouse, and $200 per child.

Visit Freitas Family Dentistry in Brentwood, Ca for High-Quality Dental Services!

Regular dental checkups protect your smile from serious issues like tooth decay, gum disease, infections, and more. We also offer restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and custom oral appliances. Ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Freitas? Contact us today!

Categorised in: Preventive Dental Care