Maintenance Check-Ups
Just like a car needing regular maintenance visits, our mouths need to be cared for too! Regular dental check-ups are the preventative care your teeth and gums need. Whilst we are used to going to the dentist for treatment in emergency situations such as toothaches, broken fillings, or cosmetic reasons, it is vital to visit the dentist regularly for them to maintain and monitor your dental health.
Preventative dentistry involves regular check-ups. We suggest a visit every 6 months to keep your smile healthy and help you to avoid disease. The health of your mouth can be a good indicator of your general overall wellbeing. Our dentists are trained to detect the root cause of your dental concern and whether they stem from dental care such as a diet high in sugar or whether there is an underlying health issue. Early identification of dental issues such as gingivitis, gum disease, cavities and teeth sensitivity can prevent these symptoms from advancing and causing further havoc on your smile.
Bacteria can build up between teeth and underneath fillings and crowns. If not identified early, it can lead to decay and cavities. Untreated cavities can cause severe pain and lead to dental emergencies which can be inconvenient and expensive to manage. Preventative check-ups allow the dentist to identify decay in the early stages which may not yet require a filling and can be treated simply with the application of a fluoride varnish to halt the build-up of decay, and prevent the need for fillings.
If you have invested in expensive dental procedures such as implants, crowns or veneers, regular maintenance is required to keep them in good condition. This allows the dentist to detect problems early and plan for work if you require it, as opposed to the situation eventuating in the need for emergency care.
Preventive care also includes teeth you might not even be aware of! Wisdom teeth within the jawbone can be monitored and early detection of their eruption allows informed planning of when to take wisdom teeth out if need be. For example, you may have time off planned or school holidays scheduled for children, so you could organise your appointments at these times to avoid missing work or children missing school.
Your check-up appointments are a perfect opportunity for you to speak with your dentists about your overall health and any concerns you or they may have. It is also the perfect time for treatment plans to be created and discuss cosmetic or corrective procedures.