22 Feb Why do I need to visit the dentist every six months?

The most common reasons people have for avoiding the dentist are the exact same reasons why you shouldn’t neglect your dental visits!

Don’t wait till you’re in pain! By the time you feel pain, it might be too late to save a tooth, or complex treatment may be required.

Early detection

By maintaining six-monthly dental visits at Sensational Smiles Dental, any problems are detected early and treated before they have a chance to spread. Your dental professional can even highlight problem areas that may cause future issues. This means we can prevent disease before treatment is even needed!

Removal of hardened plaque/calculus

When plaque has been left in the mouth undisturbed for more than 4 days, it can harden and form calculus. Undisturbed plaque is usually found in areas that your toothbrush and floss isn’t reaching. At the stage of calculus, it can no longer be removed at home using your toothbrush or floss. This is where your dental professional comes in. We can remove hard and tenacious calculus, keeping your mouth clean and healthy.

Prevent gum disease

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. Gums form the foundation that holds teeth in place. When bacteria is left in the mouth for prolonged periods of time, it can seep under the gums and flourish undisturbed. Gum disease that is left untreated can develop into jaw bone disease. At the stage of jaw bone disease, bacteria can begin to eat away at the underlying bone leading to bone loss. By coming at regular intervals, bacteria is removed from under the gums to keep the foundations of your teeth strong.

Detect decay early

The outermost layer (the enamel) of our teeth is in a constant process of demineralisation and remineralisation. When the enamel experiences longer periods of demineralisation, it can affect the inner layers of the tooth. At this stage, fillings may be required. As part of your six-monthly routine hygiene visits, any areas that appear demineralised are pinpointed and your dental professional can make suggestions that will prevent decay in susceptible areas. If decay has reached the inner layers of the tooth, this may require a filling, the size of the filling is dependent on how long it has been present and left untreated – the sooner, the better!

Screening

Screening of all that surrounds the teeth, including the tongue, cheeks, palate and floor of the mouth. These areas are screened for oral cancer, candidiasis, dry mouth and many other conditions.

Using the latest technology, your dental professional, at Sensational Smiles Dental, can also take photos and other scans to show you exactly what is going on in your mouth so you’re in control of dental decisions that affect you!