Regular Dental Checkup

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. They are a critical part of your oral health and we recommend them to all of our patrons. Dental checkups should be completed every six months to maintain optimal oral health.

Regular Dental Checkups

As dental hygienists, we strongly believe in regular dental checkups, including teeth cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride treatments, to prevent dental diseases. Our primary focus is on providing thorough dental exams to assess the health of your teeth, gums, and overall well-being. At Handcrafted Smiles, we prioritize both your smile and your health equally.

During your first appointment, your dental hygienist will take you to the exam room and take any necessary dental X-rays or photos. The hygienist will then clean teeth, polish, floss, and fluoride. Additionally, your hygienist will document your oral and periodontal (gum) health. After this, the doctor will meet with you to discuss any areas of concern you may have or any issues that need to be addressed. Treatment will be scheduled, and your next six months of cleaning appointments will be arranged if necessary.

Please note that your first appointment may take 1 to 1.5 hours, as we want to take your time with the process or provide you with a manageable amount of information.

Call Handcrafted Smiles
smiling woman with dental tools
  • How often should you get dental checkups?

    Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. As per the recommendation of the American Dental Association and most dentists, it is ideal to get a dental checkup every six months. During your first visit, your dentist will ask for your complete health history to understand your past and current health. Subsequently, regular checkups will help to identify any changes in your oral health and ensure that your teeth and mouth are well-maintained.

    The maintenance and cleaning provided at each visit is the best way to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Typically, tartar and stains accumulate, and you need to have another teeth cleaning every six months, provided your mouth is free of gum disease and heavy buildup. However, if you have a history of periodontitis, your maintenance visits may need to be as frequent as every 3-4 months.

  • Why is regular teeth cleaning important?

    Regular dental checkups are crucial to maintaining oral health. They allow trained dentists to perform thorough examinations, screen for oral cancer, and check for hidden issues with digital X-rays. Professional cleanings are also provided to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other buildups that brushing and flossing may not effectively remove. Early intervention is critical for gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. Unfortunately, once gum disease has caused damage to the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored; it can only be managed or replaced. During a dental checkup, a dental hygienist will use a tiny ruler to gently measure the gum “pocket” around each tooth and make note of areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays may also be used with these measurements to identify areas of bone recession.

  • What are other preventative dental care strategies?

    Besides having your teeth cleaned and stain polished off, our comfortable dental cleaning also provides other preventative services, such as:

    Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.

    Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children, but our adult patients can take advantage of the service for only $20.

    Oral Cancer Screenings — This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screening could save your life. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.

    Diagnostic X-rays — Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth to treat them in the least invasive manner before they worsen.

  • Why are brushing and flossing important?

    Brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great and play a crucial role in disrupting the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. Disrupting and removing this sticky film is essential to prevent cavities and gum disease. With many products available in the market claiming to be the best, it’s important to seek recommendations from your hygienist to make an informed decision.

    Brushing your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes and floss once daily to maintain good oral health. Encouraging your child to make brushing and flossing a part of their daily routine can help them have a healthy smile throughout their lifetime.

Is It Time For Your Next Checkup?

If you have more questions about dental checkups and other preventative dental care, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.

Handcrafted Smiles

2101 S. Arlington Heights Road
Suite 117
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
View Map

Hours

Monday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Select)
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(847) 357-3899