Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Mission Viejo, CA
Keeping Your Whole Grin Safe
In reality, oral health problems don’t start big. They begin as little things that can get worse if left unchecked. Luckily, it’s possible to treat these small issues before they get out of hand. All you need to do is attend dental checkups and cleanings in Mission Viejo! With these visits, Dr. Palmer will make (and keep) your smile healthy and vibrant. Please keep reading to learn how they work, or book a consultation visit in the coming days.
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups
& Cleanings Important?
Skipping routine dental visits can be tempting – especially if your mouth feels fine. That said, attending these sessions is crucial. You’ll face many long-term costs otherwise.
Firstly, dental checkups and cleanings prevent all sorts of nasty health issues. They remove plaque that will decay your teeth if it builds up enough. Likewise, the visits can detect and treat cavities before you need a dental crown or root canal. You’d then avoid toothaches, tooth loss, and worse.
Plus, twice-yearly checkups and cleanings save you time and money. They don't take long and receive coverage from dental insurance. Meanwhile, restorative work – dental crowns, fillings, etc. – is invasive, lengthy, and pricey. It’s rarely covered by insurance and has high out-of-pocket expenses.
What to Expect During
a Dental Checkup
At any given dental checkup, you can expect the following:
- Medical Updates – Dr. Palmer will review your medical history and medications, as these can impact your oral health.
- An Oral Exam – For much of your visit, we’ll closely examine your teeth, bite, and existing dental work. We’ll also screen your mouth for signs of oral cancer.
- Dental X-rays – Depending on your needs, our office may take dental X-rays of your smile. These images let us see if you have problems beneath the surface.
- Treatment Plan – Our dental team will draft a treatment plan based on its findings. From there, we’ll lay it out for you step-by-step.
- A Q&A – Near the end of your appointment, Dr. Palmer will answer your questions about treatment or home oral care.
What to Expect During
a Dental Cleaning
While you may brush and floss daily, there are parts of your mouth you can’t clean yourself. That’s why dentists perform routine teeth cleanings. Each of these sessions involves:
- General Cleaning – A dental hygienist will use special tools to remove your smile’s plaque and tartar. That way, they reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Polishing – After the cleaning, we’ll polish each of your teeth. Doing so removes your minor tooth stains.
- Flossing – Eventually, our dental team will floss between your teeth. This measure gets rid of plaque that the earlier cleaning may have missed.
- Fluoride Treatment – Our office may apply fluoride as the last cleaning step. As this mineral bonds to your teeth, it’ll protect your smile from cavities.