Check Ups in Valparaiso, IN
Regular dental check-ups are a must for good dental health. They are non-invasive and not painful, so there is no reason to fear them. Here are the most important facts about dental check-ups:
What to expect of regular dental check-ups:
- The first dental check-up with Dr. Uzelac involves a discussion about your medical history, during which you will need to explain any dental and medical conditions you suffer from. Also, the dentist may ask about your diet, supplements you take on normal basis and any medications.
- The discussion is followed by full mouth x-rays, which reveals hidden cavities, abscesses or any other tooth problems that may not be visible. A hands-on examination will help the dentist evaluate the condition of your gums and teeth.
- Once the examination is complete, Dr. Uzelac will present the results, and you decide the next steps. If cavities are discovered, he will suggest fillings or crowns. If there are missing teeth, he may suggest implants or bridges. If there are infections present he may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection before treatment. If there are no dental problems, the dentist will then recommend a professional dental cleaning where the plaque and tartar build-up is removed to minimize cavity occurrence and prevent gum disease.
- The last phase of the check-up involves a series of recommendations to improve your oral health. Instructions about proper brushing and flossing are common, especially when the existing routine is not satisfying.
- During the subsequent check-ups, the dentist may not go through all the steps mentioned above, since they already have a medical record of your health conditions. Instead, they will check the problem areas to record their progress. Also, they will provide you a feedback on the way you implemented their recommendations and suggested further improvements or changes in the daily dental care routine.
How often should you go to the dentist?
Dental check-ups are best done every six months. Six months is the average time span between two check-ups, but depending on your dental health Dr. Uzelac may increase or decrease the number of annual check-ups.
On the other hand, high-risk patients may need to increase the number of annual check-ups to three or even four. People who fall in this category are:
- Patients who smoke or chew tobacco
- Pregnant women
- Patients with diabetes
- Patients who suffer from gum diseases
- Patients with abnormal plaque and tartar build-up
- Persons with low immunity to infections.
Your check-up frequency should be discussed with the dentist, for a personalized approach. Visit us for dental check-ups to save yourself the pain of infections or other serious problems. We promise to maintain healthy teeth and give you a perfect smile. The importance of dental check-ups can never be over-emphasized.