Dental Checkup Los Angeles, CA
If a patient is having a dental checkup for the first time, or if they have not been to the dentist in a while, they often find themselves wondering what a dental checkup is. During this routine appointment, a dental professional will check the smile, teeth, and gums for infection, decay, and disease, such as cavities or periodontitis (gum disease).
At some point during the checkup, they will also be given guidance on home care. This allows them to keep their smile in the best shape possible between checkups. Scheduling your checkup is as easy as calling our Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS team in Los Angeles at (310) 402-0156.
Dental Cleaning
During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque — a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth. To do this, the dental professional will scrape the teeth above and below the gum line with special tools. The teeth may be rinsed periodically during this process. Then, the dental professional will floss between the teeth. If the patient does not floss regularly, they may find this to be a little uncomfortable; but if they include flossing as part of their daily oral care practice, this discomfort will go away over time.
At the end of the dental cleaning, the dental professional will polish the teeth. This polishing helps protect the teeth against the buildup of plaque so they stay shiny and smoother longer. The polish is applied with a spinning brush and a paste. This paste resembles toothpaste but is slightly coarse so it can better eliminate any residue that might have been missed. When the dental professional is done cleaning the teeth, the patient may be asked to rinse and gargle with mouthwash.
“During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque — a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth.”
What Happens at a Dental Checkup
At a dental checkup, a dental professional will check the mouth for problems, such as cracked teeth, bleeding or receding gums, and tooth decay. The dental professional may also take X-rays. Adults usually need X-rays only once a year. However, children may need X-rays more frequently to make sure new teeth are growing properly.
The dental professional will examine the gums for signs of gum disease. This examination may involve a special tool that measures the spaces between the teeth and gums. Spaces between the teeth and gums should be tight. Deep pockets are sometimes a symptom of gum disease.
The next step is to check the teeth for plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is a sticky substance composed of bacteria, saliva, and food that collects on the teeth. It is possible to remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing; however, the longer the plaque remains on the teeth, the greater chance it has of hardening into a substance called tartar. Tartar can build up between teeth, forcing them apart and creating pockets around the gums. Once tartar builds up, it is only removable by a dental professional.
A dental checkup may also include examining the tongue, cheeks, and other soft tissue in the mouth to check for sores and signs of oral cancer. Dental checkups are often combined with a dental cleaning, during which the dental professional polishes and removes tartar from teeth.
“At a dental checkup, a dental professional will check the mouth for problems, such as cracked teeth, bleeding or receding gums, and tooth decay.”
The Importance of Having a Routine Dental Checkup
Skipping regular dental checkups can have serious health consequences. Oral health issues like tooth decay and tartar buildup are very common. When caught early, these types of dental problems can be corrected before serious damage occurs. Untreated tooth decay or gum disease can lead to more serious issues, including tooth loss.
When a tooth is lost, the jaw is weakened, and the remaining teeth are put at risk. The empty space may cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can make chewing difficult or painful. Replacing a lost tooth with a bridge or dental implant can be time-consuming and expensive. Scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings can help keep teeth in the mouth longer — possibly for life — and prevent other oral health problems.
“Untreated tooth decay or gum disease can lead to more serious problems, including tooth loss.”
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The Importance of Regular Dental Care
Our dental team recommends that all patients return to the office for dental checkups at least once every six months. By scheduling regular appointments and cleanings, our dental team will be able to monitor the smile for any signs of concern. Waiting too long between checkups gives more time for plaque to build up, which may lead to cavities, tooth decay, receding gums, and more. Patients will also be taught what they can do to prevent these issues during checkups.
Keeping oral health on track starts at home. To prevent oral health issues between dental checkups, our dental team may make several recommendations for at-home oral care. These oral hygiene techniques may include:
- Brushing the teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Using a mouthwash
- Avoid smoking or other activities detrimental to oral health
“To prevent oral health issues between dental checkups, our dental team may make several recommendations for at-home oral care.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is involved in the dental cleaning portion of a checkup?
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. What happens at a dental checkup?
Q. What is the importance of having a routine dental checkup?
Q. What is the difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning?
People Also Ask
Q. What are dental sealants? Are they growing in popularity?
Q. What should be included in an at home oral health routine?
The Difference Between a Dental Checkup and a Dental Cleaning
Many people do not realize that there is a difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning at all — primarily because dental cleanings often happen during a dental checkup. In reality, the two are completely different but equally important processes. A dental checkup includes a thorough examination of the patient's mouth. The dental team will take X-rays, examine existing restorations, screen for oral cancer, examine for tooth decay, and screen for gum disease.
They may then conduct a dental cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth. A dental cleaning is typically performed by a registered dental hygienist. As stated above, a dental cleaning entails the removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum lines. However, it also includes a professional tooth polishing to get rid of plaque and surface stains.
“Many people do not realize that there is a difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning at all — primarily because dental cleanings often happen during a dental checkup.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it OK to go to the dentist once a year?
A. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth at home, you could have dental issues that you cannot see yourself, such as cracked teeth or tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, even if you are healthy, it is still a good idea to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. If you have dental insurance, these visits are likely covered with no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Q. I do not have any symptoms. Do I still need to see a dentist?
A. You should still see a dentist for a checkup twice a year, even if you are not experiencing any dental symptoms. Removing plaque and tartar from your teeth is important for preventing tooth decay, which can lead to larger dental problems.
Q. Do I really need to floss every day?
A. Yes. Flossing can remove bacteria and plaque from places that your toothbrush cannot reach. Get in the habit of flossing every day. It only takes a couple of minutes!.
Q. Is it safe to go to the dentist when I'm pregnant?
A. Yes, it is safe to see a dentist when you are pregnant. Just be sure to tell the dentist that you are pregnant. Pregnant women should not be exposed to X-ray radiation.
Q. Why are dental X-rays necessary?
A. There are many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues that can only be seen with a dental X-ray. These include infections in the bone, gum disease, small areas of decay between the teeth or below fillings, and more.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Following through with dental checkups is how patients can ensure that their smile stays healthy and free of decay or disease. Our dental team is here to help. To schedule a dental checkup or for help with your dental questions, please call our team at 310-402-0156.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS was established in 1985.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Westchester
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