Much like getting regular medical checkups, routine dental visits are important to stay on top of oral care. But dental checkups aren’t just about avoiding cavities – did you know that your dental visits do more than just check for decay? These appointments, called dental recall exams, are an important part of a comprehensive prevention plan to keep your whole mouth in tip-top shape. Let’s take a closer look at what a dental recall exam involves.
Why Are Dental Recall Exams Important?
1. Early Detection is Key
Regular dental recall exams allow your dentist to monitor the health of your teeth, gums and jaw. Catching any signs of decay, disease or other issues early vastly improves treatment outcomes and decreases costs compared to waiting until a problem becomes serious. During recalls, your dentist can also check for early signs of oral cancers. Early detection of any conditions is critical for successful treatment.
2. Preventative Care Pays Off
Many dental problems can be prevented entirely with proper at-home care and regular professional cleanings. Recall exams focus on providing preventative treatment. Your dentist will remove tartar buildup and plaque, check for areas that need fluoride treatment, and examine your bite and jaw joint. They can also catch signs of grinding your teeth. Taking preventative steps during recalls can help avoid future dental work and expensive procedures down the line.
3. Customized Care for You
During your recall visits, your dentist will track any changes to tailor your preventative care to your unique risk factors. They may suggest adjustments to your home care routine, identify habits like clenching or nail biting that could cause issues, or notice if you’re prone to certain problems, like cavities. This personalized approach helps your dentist catch potential issues before they arise.
What to Expect from a Dental Recall Exam
When you arrive for your exam, your dentist will want to discuss any changes to your dental health since your last checkup. You’ll receive a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist will carefully examine the health of your teeth and check for signs of decay.
They’ll also examine your gums, checking for recession, swelling, or bleeding that could indicate the early stages of gum disease. Your bite and jaw joint function will also be assessed. Finally, your dentist may take new X-rays to compare to previous films and look for any changes over time.
In a snapshot, a dental recall exam entails the following:
- Cleaning
- Examination of teeth and soft tissues
- Assessment of bite and jaw joint
- Possible new x-rays
- Discussion of your unique oral health risks
- Tips for customized home care
To stay on top of your dental wellness, be sure to schedule your next checkup with your dentist.
Trust Tavistock’s Expert Dentists
If you are looking for a dentist in Tavistock, then you are at the right spot! At Tavistock Family Dentistry, our dentist will examine your teeth, check for any signs of dental issues, and clean your teeth to remove plaque or tartar buildup. Early detection of dental problems helps us provide prompt treatment. You can easily book your recall visit every six months with us by calling or booking online.
Remember – keeping up to date with your recall schedule puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to protecting your smile and whole-body health. Let us know how we can support your oral wellness journey!Contact us to learn more!
