Do you go to the dentist on a regular schedule? Many people don’t. They only go to the dentist when they have a problem, such as a toothache or cracked tooth. In this case you are not getting the primary benefits of dental care.
It is in the best interest of your oral health to have preventive dental care. Here are the top 3 reasons to see your dentist regularly.
1.Maintain Your Oral Health.
Oral health refers to your teeth, mouth, and jaw. Preventive dentistry maintains your oral health through teeth cleanings and oral evaluations. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque and calculus that build up on the teeth over time with the goal of preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you brush and floss effectively on a daily basis, plaque can still form and harden into calculus, which can only be removed with dental tools. Oral evaluations identify concerns such as gum disease and soft tissue abnormalities so that they can be treated with the best possible outcome.
2.Save Money.
Keeping up with regularly scheduled dental visits can save you money. If you have dental insurance, preventive dentistry appointments are typically fully covered. Even if you don’t have insurance, what you pay out of pocket for preventive dentistry will be less than what you will eventually need to pay for restorative procedures used to repair the damage to your teeth from lack of dental care.
3.Improve Your Overall Health and Well-Being.
Oral health is closely tied to general health and wellness. Studies have shown a direct correlation between poor oral health (tooth decay, gum disease) and serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. By going to the dentist regularly, you are improving your overall health, not just your mouth.
How Often Should You See Your Dentist?
Dentists recommend that the average patient should have preventive dental appointments every 6 months or at least twice a year. This is the ideal schedule for removal of plaque to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Oral evaluations every 6 months allow for early detection of potential concerns, which results in easier and more effective treatment. Small cavities found early can be easily filled. Gingivitis, early stage gum disease, is easier to treat if it is detected before any permanent damage occurs.
How Often Should You See Your Periodontist?
You may be referred to a periodontist for specialized treatment. Periodontists specialize in treatment of the support structures for the teeth, specifically the gums and jaw. Patients with chronic gum disease that is difficult to treat or has resulted in damage to the oral tissues, may need to see a periodontist more often, such as once a month or every few months for periodontal maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Visits
How does periodontal maintenance differ from regular dental cleanings?
Periodontal maintenance involves a deep cleaning of your teeth under the gum tissue. Scaling and root planing are the usual procedures that remove plaque and calculus and smooth the root surface for improved attachment of the gum tissue. Periodontal maintenance is typically scheduled more frequently than regular dental cleanings.
Why do I need to see a periodontist?
General dentists provide some of the same services as a periodontal practice, but periodontists specialize in gum disease treatment, as well as other procedures such as dental implant placement and bone grafting. Depending on your needs, a periodontist may be the best professional to see.
Schedule Your Next Dental Visit Today
If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, it is time to make an appointment. For patients who need treatment for gum disease, Hudson Valley Periodontics & Implantology provides periodontal maintenance on a customized schedule to meet your individual needs.
Call 845-623-6666 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.