The Importance of Dental Checkups
Many patients wonder why getting their teeth cleaned is so important if they brush and floss regularly at home. The truth is that even if you maintain excellent oral hygiene, plaque can still build up in corners of your mouth that a toothbrush doesn’t reach. Dr. Kovacevic and our team use specialized dental tools to eliminate harmful bacteria from your teeth and gums.
In addition, hygiene appointments serve far more purpose than just cleaning your teeth. These visits give Dr. Kovacevic a chance to look at x-rays and visually inspect your entire mouth in detail. By doing this, he can detect developing issues like cavities, gum disease, and more before they become a serious threat to your health.
Most importantly of all, we perform an oral cancer screening as part of every dental checkup. Dr. Kovacevic will feel along your jaw, cheeks, and neck to check for any abnormal lumps, while also looking for any visual indications of oral cancer in your gums. The screening only takes a few minutes and an early diagnosis can be the difference that saves your life.
What to Expect for a Hygiene Appointment
Dr. Kovacevic and our experienced dental team follow a specific process for hygiene appointments. When you visit us for a checkup, expect us to do the following:
- Take digital x-ray scans of your teeth
- Clean and polish all of your teeth, including a fluoride rinse
- Thoroughly inspect your teeth, gums, and jaw
- Perform an oral cancer screening
- Discuss anything relevant we noticed during your checkup
- Provide additional treatment or at-home care instructions, if necessary