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Most people who are scared of going to the dentist are afraid because they don’t know what happens at a dental check-up. Bi-annual check-ups are the recommendation by medical and dental experts. 

Some people need more visits and others less, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums and potential future risks. However, to be safe, try to book an appointment every six months to stay ahead of any potential issues. 

Yes, that can be pricey, especially if you have a large family who all need dental check-ups. You could make everyone’s appointment for a different month of the year, or invest in a Dental Insurance cover like Affinity Dental for all of you so that you can rest assured that you’ll have some assistance with the bill.

Every six months is the norm when it comes to check-ups, but the length of time between check-ups could be only a few months if your dental needs are more intense.

Regular check-ups help your dentist detect whether you are sitting with a ticking cavity and gum disease time bomb. Visits to your dentist can help prevent these from becoming worse.

It is definitely a no-no to leave dental problems untreated. That leads to more significant difficulties in the future, such as extended courses of antibiotics to treat gum disease, at the end of which you may need bridgework done, or you could lose the tooth. 

If your oral health is at risk due to your lifestyle, whether it is due to a poor diet, smoking, alcohol and drug misuse, poor oral hygiene, or you are on chronic medication for your health conditions, your dentist may recommend check-ups every three months.

The three monthly check-ups are necessary when you have gum disease, your family members have a history of cavities, you have a compromised immune system, or you are going through traumatic or stressful experiences which have led to illnesses or oral infections. 

On the other end of the scale, if your teeth are in good condition, you may need to visit only once a year, as long as you have a good oral health routine that includes brushing and flossing twice a day. 

However, you should always request a schedule of visits, which the dentist can determine from the current condition of your oral cavity. 

If you are visiting a new dentist for the first time, before they do a thorough examination, they will question you about the following:

• Your medical history and whether you are on any medications. Some diseases place you at risk for gum disease or require a different treatment regimen, as the usual one may react with any chronic medication you may be taking. 
• Your current state of dental health, such as whether you have tooth sensitivity, bad breath, can feel a cavity or have lost a filling.
• Your nervousness about dental treatments, mainly if you have not visited a dentist in some time.

The Check-Up 

Your checkup could either be with your dentist or your oral hygienist, who has a focus on keeping your teeth clean.

The oral hygienist will assess the state of your teeth and gums. The hygienist also documents information that you provide on your current health conditions and any chronic medications you may have been taking before:

• Cleaning: brushing and flossing your teeth at home do not remove all the plaque. The cleaning provided by the hygienist or dentist thoroughly removes the hardened plaque called calculus or tartar that cakes the teeth. They either use metal hand instruments or ultrasonic scalers that deep clean above and below the gum line.  
• Polishing: Once your teeth are clean, the hygienist polishes your teeth with a small mechanical rotating rubber cap or brush loaded with an abrasive substance and fluoride to remove plaque and stains.
• The hygienist will also discuss taking care of your teeth and gums and advise you on suitable products for home care of your teeth. They may also instruct you on the best brushing and flossing techniques. 
• Your dentist will examine your gums and teeth, check for signs of oral cancer and other gum diseases, identify and diagnose oral health problems and review the cleaning done by the hygienist. 
• The dentist will take an X-ray to note any changes and detect hidden cavities or weaknesses in the tooth roots or gum, taking into account the oral exam and your dental history.

The Treatment

The dentist will conclude the check-up by recommending a schedule of ongoing treatment. The dentist may call for further diagnostic tests and additional oral hygiene care or recommend restoration work such as fillings, bridgework, extractions, or crowns. 

In conclusion, it may be wise to book a comprehensive dental exam at least once a year, as this includes the check for decay and gum disease. A complete examination of your whole mouth with emphasis on soft tissue, gum tissue, and every tooth will be performed.