Dental Checkups and Cleanings – Plano, TX
Keeping Plano Smiles Healthy
Although daily brushing and flossing can go a long way in the fight against cavities and gum disease, it’s not always enough to keep these problems at bay. To make sure your smile is as healthy as can be, you’ll still need to see a dentist in Plano at regular intervals for dental checkups and cleanings. Dr. Sam Antoon thoroughly enjoys having the opportunity to make his patients’ smiles shine a little brighter by optimizing their oral health. If it has been a while since your last dental checkup, request an appointment today!
What Happens During a Typical Checkup and Cleaning?
First, our hygiene team will use special tools to remove plaque (and tartar, its hardened form) from your teeth and along your gumline. Since tartar can’t be removed by your toothbrush and floss at home, these cleanings are a great way to prevent gum disease and cavities that are often caused by the high levels of bacteria in tartar. After this substance has been cleaned away, our team will polish your teeth with a paste that not only gets rid of surface stains, but also makes it harder for bacteria to stick to your teeth in the future. Lastly, we can apply a topical fluoride varnish to strengthen your enamel, lowering your risk of developing cavities down the road.
After your cleaning, we’ll take detailed x-rays. Dr. Antoon will then examine these images, as well as your teeth, gums, existing dental work, and other parts of your mouth for any problem areas. If any issues are detected, we can devise a customized treatment plan to get your smile back on the right track.
How Often Do I Need to Visit the Dentist?
In general, it’s recommended that you visit your dentist in Plano for a checkup and cleaning every six months, or twice a year. However, if you have a history of poor oral health, you may need to visit us more often. Other reasons you might need to see us more frequently include:
- Pregnancy, which increases your risk of gum disease
- Tobacco use
- Cancer treatment
- Certain health conditions that might compromise your immune system, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS
- Heart disease
If you have one of these conditions, Dr. Antoon can evaluate the state of your oral and general health to better determine how often you should schedule an appointment with us.
Why Are Checkups and Cleanings So Important?
The unfortunate truth about many oral health problems, like tooth decay and gum disease, is that they often don’t show noticeable symptoms like pain until serious damage has already been done. For example, most cavities don’t hurt until they reach the delicate center of the tooth, called the pulp, and by that point you’re going to need more than a filling to treat the problem. Regular checkups with Dr. Antoon can help us detect these issues before they become larger problems that jeopardize your oral health.
Cleanings are just as crucial. If plaque and tartar are not regularly removed, they can accumulate, increasing your risk for problems like bad breath, yellow teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Biannual cleanings not only make your teeth shine a little brighter, but they significantly lower your risk of various oral health issues.
Has it been more than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning? If so, contact us to set up an appointment. We can’t wait to see you smile!
Dental Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
Now you know just how important routine dental checkups and cleanings are. That said, it’s perfectly natural to still have a few questions. While Dr. Antoon and the rest of our team members are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have during your appointment, we encourage you to read through this list of frequently asked questions below. That way there will be no surprises at your visit!
How Much Does a Dental Checkup and Cleaning Cost?
The cost of your checkup and cleaning may vary based on several factors. In most cases, the cost is very budget-friendly. Dental insurance typically covers one or two of these preventive appointments, meaning you will most likely have little or no copay. Alternatively, our in-office financing plan also fully covers exams and gives you a significant discount on cleanings.
Keep in mind that even if you don’t have insurance, attending your routine checkups can save you money in the long run. By detecting and treating oral health issues early on, you can avoid the need for expensive treatment down the road.
How Long Does a Dental Checkup and Cleaning Take?
It varies, but most checkups and cleanings take somewhere between 45 and 90 minutes to complete. We recommend planning for the full hour and a half just to be on the safe side.
When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Checkup?
As soon as teeth start erupting from beneath the gums, they are vulnerable to cavities. In fact, baby teeth are at a higher risk of decay because their enamel is thinner than permanent teeth. For that reason, we encourage you to bring your child in to see their dentist in Plano by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts – whichever comes first. At this appointment, we can make sure their smile is developing in a healthy manner.
Do I Still Need Dental Checkups If I Wear Full Dentures?
You may think that because you have lost all of your natural teeth and are wearing a denture, that you no longer need to visit the dentist regularly. That simple isn’t true. You should still come see us at least twice a year. We can ensure your denture is still in good condition and that your mouth is free of health issues like oral cancer and gum disease.