Patient in treatment room smiling after dental exam in Rockville, MD

What Can I Expect During a Dental Checkup?

February 2, 2023
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Patient looking into hand mirror in treatment chair at dentist in Rockville, MD

Dental checkups are just as vital to your health as checkups with your physician. During these visits, your dentists in Rockville, MD check for potential issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers. They also provide preventive treatment to keep oral diseases at bay and offer treatment plans to correct problems like cavities, infections, and tooth damage. 

Routine dental checkups are vital to your oral health and your general wellness. Several illnesses and diseases have been linked to oral health, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and more. Our goal as your family’s dental home is to ensure your smile is healthy, problem-free, and beautiful for a lifetime––and dental checkups help us accomplish this. 

Here’s what you can expect during a dental checkup at Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. 

1. Oral Health Exam 

First, we make sure you're comfortable before starting any exam or treatment. We then review your medical history at each visit to see if there have been any changes. If so, please let your dentist or hygienist know if you’re taking new medications or have any new diagnoses since your last dental visit. 

Once you’ve discussed your medical history, we will perform a thorough visual exam of your mouth, checking your teeth and surrounding tissues for abnormalities. Our dentists then check each tooth for decay, stains, gum recession, and any margins around existing dental crowns or fillings. We also check for any signs of oral cancer in the mouth and neck.

2. Periodic X-Rays 

We take periodic dental x-rays to keep an eye on what’s beneath the surface of your smile, including your tooth roots and jaw bones. X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that helps us stop or prevent problems before they have a chance to progress. 

3. Professional Dental Cleanings

Professional teeth cleanings are the only way to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gums. We use special instruments to gently remove bacteria buildup, so your teeth and gums are clean and refreshed. 

After we remove plaque and tartar from your mouth's hard-to-reach areas, we clean your smile using gritty toothpaste and expertly floss between your teeth. Next, we rinse your mouth and apply a fluoride treatment to help fight cavities between dental appointments. 

Book Your Next Dental Exam in Rockville, MD 

Call your dentist in Rockville, MD at (202) 335-2438 to schedule your exam and cleaning at Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Our dentists look forward to caring for your smile! 

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