Dental Checkup
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. They are a critical part of your oral health and we recommend them to all of our patrons. Dental checkups should be completed every six months to maintain optimal oral health.
Dental Checkups in Twin Falls, ID
Regular teeth cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride are the best ways to prevent dental disease. At Mint Dental Care, we recommend dental checkups every six months to check your teeth, gums, and overall dental health.
You can expect a typical new patient hygiene and cleaning appointment to go as follows:
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- Our front staff will welcome you with typical information gathering and answer any dental care questions you may have.
- Next, your dental hygienist will greet you in the waiting room.
- If dental X-rays or photos are required, they will be taken to understand the overall health of your mouth and accurately diagnose any dental issue.
- Then, your dental hygienist will clean your teeth, polish, floss, and fluoride.
- Next, we will take a periodontal chart to write and record gingival and overall oral conditions relating to oral and periodontal (gum) health.
- Meet the doctor for an exam and discuss any areas of concern you may have or that we may want to address.
- We consult with your insurance company to estimate the cost of your dental care if any areas of concern are found. If you do not have dental insurance at the time, you can use our third-party payment provider CareCredit to pay for the care you need.
- During your appointment with the doctor, please feel free to inquire about any dental concerns you may have openly.
- Schedule any needed treatment or simply your next 6-month cleaning appointment.
Expect this first appointment to take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours so that we don’t rush you through or provide too much information too quickly for you.
![dental tools with an x ray](http://mintdentaltwinfalls.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2022/05/dental-checkup-service-1-1.png)
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Why are dental checkups important?
Many oral health concerns can only be detected through a thorough examination by a trained dentist. Dental checkups provide oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays to check for hidden issues, and professional cleanings to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other buildups that daily brushing and flossing won’t effectively eliminate.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so early intervention is essential. Once gum disease has taken its toll on the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored, but only managed or replaced. The dental hygienist will use a small ruler to gently measure the gum “pocket” around each of your teeth, making note of areas that you can’t clean with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are used in conjunction with these measurements, to identify areas of bone recession.
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How much does a dental checkup cost?
At Mint Dental Care, we strive to provide transparent and affordable dental care. The cost of a dental checkup can vary depending on the specific services included. Generally, a standard dental checkup, which includes a comprehensive oral exam, professional teeth cleaning, and necessary X-rays, ranges from $0 – $262.
We recommend contacting our office for a more accurate estimate based on your individual needs. We also accept most dental insurance plans, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. If you need dental care without insurance, we offer flexible payment options to ensure you receive the best care without financial stress.
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How often should you get dental checkups?
Ideally, dental checkups are performed every six months. On your first visit to the dentist, they will ask for a full health history to gain an understanding of your past and current health. From there, regular dental checkups will be used to determine any change in your oral health and keep your teeth and mouth in good shape or maintained appropriately.
The American Dental Association, and most dentists, recommend six months because the maintenance and cleaning provided at each visit is the best way to ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
As long as your mouth is free of gum disease and heavy buildup, six months is about the average length of time for tartar and stain to accumulate to the point of needing another teeth cleaning. For individuals with a history of periodontitis, those maintenance visits may need to be as frequent as every 3-4 months.
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Why are brushing and flossing important?
We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they physically disrupt the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen. There are a lot of products on the market that claim they are the best. Make sure to talk about the options with your hygienist to get the best recommendation.
And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once. Helping and encouraging your child to make brushing and flossing a part of their habits will help them have a healthy smile as kids and throughout their lifetime!
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What are other preventative dental care strategies?
Besides having your teeth cleaned and stain polished off, our comfortable dental cleaning also provides other preventative services, such as:
Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.
Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children, but our adult patients can take advantage of the service for only $29.
Oral Cancer Screenings — This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screening could save your life. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.
Diagnostic X-rays — Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth so that we can treat them in the least invasive manner before they become worse.
Learn Cavity Prevention Strategies
Is It Time For Your Next Checkup?
If you have more questions about dental checkups and other preventative dental care, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.