Dr. Hoard will recommend how often to have routine checkups. Most patients visit twice per year to maintain optimal health and esthetics. During your routine visit, Dr. Hoard will examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. We recommend routine checkups in New Bern, NC, every six months.
Establishing a routine for dental cleanings and exams allows us to catch problems in their earliest stage and recommend the most conservative treatment options. Preventive Dentistry is part of Dr. Steven Hoard general dentistry offerings to New Bern, North Carolina. He is a family dentist in New Bern, NC.
Preventative Dentistry: Routine Checkups in New Bern, NC
Regular dental visits are a part of preventive care. At regular visits, we check your mouth for signs of dental problems. We also provide thorough cleanings to prevent gum and tooth problems. Our office provides multiple treatments during regular checkups, which include:
Dental Cleanings
Our dental hygienist will begin cleaning your teeth by scraping hard mineral buildup (tartar) off them with a small metal tool. Then, the hygienist will brush your teeth with a high-powered electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. Afterward, the hygienist will floss between each tooth and rinse with a liquid fluoride to remove any final debris.
While many patients may fear cleanings, they usually aren’t painful. However, if you have gum disease or haven’t had a cleaning in a long time, you may have tooth or gum sensitivity during your cleaning.
X-rays
Occasionally Dr. Hoard will want to take X-rays. We incorporate digital X-rays into our office so they are done faster and with less radiation exposure. X-rays help us find problems we can’t see with a dental mirror. We also use digital X-rays to plan accurate treatment.
Sealants
If necessary, Dr. Hoard will put a sealant on the chewing surface of your back teeth to help prevent cavities. Sealants keep food and bacteria from getting stuck in the rough chewing surfaces or grooves of your teeth and protect them from plaque. We often recommend sealants for children as their first and second molars grow.
Fluoride
We may also apply a fluoride solution directly to your teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Some patients may need multiple fluoride applications. Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel or outer tooth layer. This natural mineral builds up the tooth enamel and can prevent tooth cavities.
Routine Care for Gum Disease
If you are prone to infections, or if infections are particularly dangerous for you, you may need to take antibiotics before you have some types of dental work. You may need to take antibiotics if you have:
- Heart problems that make it dangerous for you to get a heart infection called endocarditis.
- An impaired immune system.
- Recent major surgeries or man-made body parts, such as an artificial hip or heart valve.
If you have active tooth decay or gum disease, Dr. Hoard will discuss changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, he may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Gum disease can contribute to several health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy-related complications.
If you notice signs of gum disease, contact our office for a deep gum cleaning. Scaling and root planing can remove bacteria from the gum pockets and tooth roots. We can also place antibiotics in the gum pockets to reduce the risk of reinfection.
How to Deal with Dental Anxiety
If you avoid the dentist because of dental fear, we’re here to help. We offer these recommendations if you have anxiety and need to schedule a dental visit:
- Communicate: A fear of the unknown can make you more anxious. We welcome you to ask questions about your dental problems and treatment options. Our team can also explain the steps of your treatment.
- Tour Our Office: If this is your first visit to our office, we can schedule a tour before your first cleaning. That way, you can familiarize yourself with our team. You can also see our operatories at this visit.
- Establish a Signal: You can create a non-verbal signal with our dentist when you need a break or feel overwhelmed. This simple signal can help you feel more in control and provide a way to pause the procedure if needed.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Learn and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help you calm your mind and body before and during dental procedures.
Our office is a judgment-free space. If you avoid the dentist because you’re self-conscious about your teeth and gums, we don’t want you to worry. We’re here to help restore the function and comfort of your smile.
Routine Checkup FAQs
Read answers to these common questions about routine checkups in our New Bern, NC, dental office:
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is all about taking care of your teeth and gums to stop problems before they happen. It focuses on keeping your mouth healthy and preventing things like cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Regular dental visits are an essential part of preventive care.
Why are routine dental checkups essential?
Regular dental checkups in New Bern, NC, offer many benefits to our patients. First, we can find early symptoms of emerging dental problems at routine visits. When we catch dental issues early, we do not need invasive treatment.
In addition, we can recommend how to best care for your smile at home. Our team will also answer your questions as needed. If you have questions about your hygiene, dental treatment, or current concerns, please ask them.
We can maintain your dental work at regular visits. If you have crowns, implants, bridges, dentures, or fillings, we will ensure your restoration is stable and healthy. We will repair parts of your restorations if needed.
The worse your dental problems get, the more treatment will cost. You can prevent future costs by visiting the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and screening.
Why does my mouth hurt after a cleaning?
You may feel discomfort after a cleaning for several reasons. First, our hygienists remove plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth during a cleaning. If you had a lot of buildup, the process might cause your gums to feel sensitive afterward.
In addition, if your gums were already inflamed, they might be more sensitive to the cleaning. The tools used during the cleaning can sometimes cause temporary irritation. Some people have sensitive teeth, and the pressure from the cleaning tools might cause slight discomfort.
When can I eat after a cleaning?
After a cleaning, you usually don’t have to wait long to eat. If your dentist applied fluoride treatment, wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to absorb into your teeth and protect them fully. If you didn’t get fluoride, you can eat right away.
Are dental X-rays safe?
The amount of radiation used in dental X-rays is very low. Modern X-ray machines are designed to minimize radiation exposure, and dentists take extra steps to protect you. For example, they’ll give you a lead apron to wear during the X-ray, which shields your body from radiation.
Do you get X-rays at every dental visit?
We will take X-rays only once a year or once every couple of years based on your dental health. If you have healthy teeth and gums, you might not need X-rays every time you visit. However, if you have a history of dental issues, the dentist might recommend more frequent X-rays to keep an eye on your oral health.
Are dental sealants for patients of any age?
Yes, dental sealants can be for patients of any age. However, we most commonly recommend them for children and teenagers. Applying sealants as soon as the molars grow can help keep them healthy. Adults also benefit if they are prone to cavities or have deeper grooves in their molars.
Are fluoride treatments safe?
Yes, fluoride treatments are safe for most people. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Dentists use fluoride treatments to provide extra protection, especially for people who are at higher risk of getting cavities. While too much fluoride at a young age. can create white spots on the teeth, we provide a safe amount for your child’s teeth.
Call Our Office
Has it been time since your last dental visit? Don’t sacrifice your dental health. Get routine checkups from our dentist in New Bern, NC, today. You can also schedule your consultation for an initial dental exam.
If you have questions about regular dental care, let us know at your next visit. We want to help you.