Dental Consult and Hygiene

Dental Consult & Hygiene

The dental consultation is a non-invasive visit with your dentist where you can discuss any issues that you're experiencing, concerns and treatment options. If you have anxieties about having dental work done, this is also the time to express them. 

When you are a new patient at a dentist’s office, the first step is usually to schedule an initial consultation. A consultation is basically an evaluation of the current condition of your teeth. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you may be worried or embarrassed about the current state of your teeth.

We won’t be judgmental or make you feel bad about your current dental health. We simply want to help restore your teeth to the best possible condition, improving your health and well-being. But if you’re still feeling a little uncomfortable about that first appointment, it may help to know what to expect. Here’s what happens during a typical new patient dental consultation.

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Paperwork

Anytime you visit a new office, you’ll be required to fill out some paperwork. They’ll want to know basic things like your name and address, as well as your health and dental history. Be sure to bring your insurance card with you if you have dental insurance. If you are transferring from a previous dentist’s office, call and request that your records be sent to the new office.

Dental Exam

 

Next, you’ll be called back to an examination room for a dental exam. A dental hygienist often performs the basic examination, making notes for the dentist. Your teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw bone will be evaluated, looking for things like cavities, enamel erosion, and receding gums. The dentist will then perform a more thorough examination, also making notes in your file. It’s important for your dentist to establish a baseline of your current dental health in order to make decisions about further treatment. If you are in need of fillings, crowns, implants, or other dental procedures, your dentist may prioritize needed work based on urgency.

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X-Rays and intraoral scan/ photos

You can expect to have x-rays made of your teeth during that first visit. X-rays are another tool to gain information about your current dental health. The images show things that can’t be seen by the naked eye. For example, dark, shadowy areas in your teeth suggest cavities. The health of your jawbones can also be evaluated through x-ray images, which is a key factor when making decisions about the possibility of implants. Intraoral scans/photos help you and your dentist to see the tooth cavities, tooth cracks and gum lesions with magnification. 

Conversation Between You and Your Dentist

 

Your dentist will want to know what you hope to gain through dental treatment. Are you looking for better oral health? Do you hope to improve your appearance through teeth straightening, whitening, or other cosmetic dentistry? Your dentist will want to know why you are seeking dental care, and it’s best for you to be as honest as possible so that you are both on the same page and working toward the same goals.

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Making a Plan for Further Treatment

Taking into consideration the results of your examination and x-rays, as well as your dental goals, your dentist will formulate a treatment plan. This is an outline of the best course of action and the necessary steps to get the desired results. In some cases, the next steps may just be regular exams and cleanings. If you need more in-depth dental procedures, you may be scheduled for additional appointments.it is better than a cure, right? It goes the same for dental care too. Proper diagnosis and treatment at the right time can help you avoid dental issues in the future. That's where preventive dental care comes from your help. At Amaya dental care, we provide a variety of preventive dental treatment options.

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What is Preventive Dental Care?

As the term implies, preventive dentistry refers to any action to prevent oral health problems. Preventive dentistry often focuses on keeping the teeth, gums, and mouth as healthy as possible to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other complications.

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Why is Preventive Dental Care Critical?

Being proactive in this area of dental care is critical for various reasons. To begin with, it is far less costly than restorative dentistry (e.g., fillings, crowns, implants, etc.). Additionally, a regular cleaning session (preventive dentistry) is substantially less expensive than even filling a little cavity, even if you lack dental insurance. 

Comprehensive Preventive Dental Care at Downey Dental Solutions 

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Professional Dental Cleaning 

While daily brushing and flossing are necessary for proper oral health, professional dental cleaning is the most effective method for removing plaque and tartar accumulation. 

Plaque becomes trapped between teeth and gums, making it difficult to eliminate with brushing alone. Dentists/hygienists use specialized instruments to remove plaque from behind the gums and between the teeth.

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Comprehensive Oral Examination

Dentists use various equipment to examine your mouth health in great detail. It will be simple to discover any early symptoms of cavities, gum disease, and other disorders that need quick treatment through an oral exam.

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Diagnostic Testing 

If your dentist suspects an issue with your oral health, they will conduct diagnostic tests such as X-rays to ascertain the severity of the condition. Additionally, they will utilize this information to develop the most effective treatment strategy for you.

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Oral Hygiene Education 

Each person must be taught the proper cleaning and flossing of their teeth. Not only that but they must be performed daily to function efficiently. Additionally, dentists/hygienists may offer other oral care practices based on the patient's present state.

Who is the Right Candidate for Preventive Dental Care?

Every single one does! Preventive dental treatment, which may begin in infancy and continue into late age, can provide several benefits that save patients time, money, and suffering. 

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How often do you need Dental Cleaning?

The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least once a year to get a routine examination and cleaning. If you have a history of periodontal diseases or have orthodontic braces, you should get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent the recurrence of infections or periodontal diseases. In general, twice-yearly dental cleanings are an important part of preventive dental care that will keep teeth protected and healthy today and in the future.

Some people are simply at a higher risk of developing dental disease and oral issues. They should therefore visit and have cleaning far more frequently, dependent on the case.

High-risk people include:

• Smokers

• Pregnant women

• Diabetics

• People with current gum disease

• People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection

• One who tends to get cavities or build up plaque

 

Why does dentists/ hygienist use fluoride in cleaning teeth?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.

 

How long should you leave fluoride on your teeth?

The coating will naturally wear away in that time period. In laboratory studies, Vanish White Varnish continues to release fluoride, calcium and phosphate for 24 hours. You should refrain from brushing or flossing your teeth or eating for at least 4 hours to achieve the maximum benefit.

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