Boca Raton is a city known for its golf courses, parks, and some of the best Medical professionals in the country. Dr. Astrid Cortes of Dental Designs, in Boca Raton, is among the top dentists in the state offering a variety of both general and cosmetic procedures including: Composites, Root Canals, Extractions, Dentures, Crowns, Bridges, Veneers, Invisalign, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, and more.
Finding the best dentist in a city like Boca Raton, where there are many to choose from, is not easy. There are a variety of factors you should consider such as: experience, specialty, education, reviews, patient need, and more. In this Blog, we are going to focus on the 5 things you should know regarding a general examination, which usually includes x-rays and cleaning.
1. Regular Visits
Taking good care of your teeth requires more than just brushing and flossing. You should visit a dentist every 6 months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning. The important thing is that you find a dentist who you feel comfortable with and has a good reputation. Being proactive instead of reactive is extremely important when it comes to your health. Cavities for example can be easily resolved in the early stages. If it is too advanced, it can lead to bigger problems and more profound treatments such as a root canal.
2. Full health history
It is important that your dentist understands your full health history, this is why that first questionnaire is so long. If you are visiting a dentist who you have been a patient of prior, you should share with them any changes in your health conditions. Remember, your mouth could be a window into what is going on with the rest of your body. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90% of systemic diseases can produce oral signs and symptoms. Some of which can manifest themselves in the mouth.
3. A Thorough Cleaning
You wouldn’t want to take your car in for a wash, if the place always leaves the rims dirty. The same holds true for your teeth. The dentist you go to should be very thorough when doing a cleaning. There are many steps to a cleaning. A dental hygienist or dentist will scrape around the gum lines to remove any plaque or tarter build up that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath, or other issues. Then they will polish and floss your teeth. A good cleaning will help your mouth feel refreshed and new.
4. Full Dental Examination
A dentist should also be very thorough when performing the full examination. During this process, they carefully evaluate your teeth, gums, and overall mouth, while looking for any signs of disease or other problems that can be taking place. You want to make sure that the dentist you go to is very careful in their evaluation and takes their time.
5. X-Rays
X-rays are a very important part of your dentist visit. Their are are many problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye and can go unnoticed such as: jawbone damage, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, or tooth decay. Again, being reactive instead of proactive is one of the keys to good overall health and dental hygiene. Make sure detailed X-rays are performed during your check ups.