Even before COVID-19 struck, many of us regularly put off dental appointments or even avoided going altogether. Our hectic work and home lives came first, with many people putting their oral health on the backburner. Now that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, a lot of us might be worried that visiting their dentist in Plainview isn’t worth the risk of leaving their house. However, it definitely is. These appointments prevent oral health issues like cavities and gum disease, which can contribute to general health problems if left untreated. Because of this, you should still see your dentist at least twice a year, even during these trying times. If it has been a long time since your last checkup and cleaning, here are a few things you can expect to happen during your visit.
Bleeding Gums
When the dental hygienist starts flossing between your teeth, your gums might bleed. While this might sound scary, it doesn’t always constitute a problem. Sometimes, your gums just aren’t used to the pressure of flossing moving between the teeth. In other cases, though, bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease. This is why it’s crucial that you see your dentist on a regular basis. Gum disease is much easier and less costly to treat when it’s caught in the early stages at your checkups.
Extended Cleaning
If you go even 12 hours without brushing or flossing, plaque builds up on your teeth and begins to harden into a substance called tartar. While you can disrupt plaque on your own with at-home oral hygiene, only a dental professional can remove it once it has become tartar. For this reason, it may take slightly longer than normal for the hygienist to clear away all the accumulated plaque and tartar form your mouth.
Comprehensive Oral Examination
Once your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned by the hygienist, your dentist will take a detailed look at your mouth, including every one of your teeth, your gums, and any existing dental work, to check for any problem areas. If you haven’t seen your dentist in a while, odds are you’ve got at least a couple of cavities that need treatment.
Dental X-Rays
Even the dentist’s trained eyes can’t pick up on every problem that may lie within your mouth. That’s why they’ll take x-rays of your mouth and jaw to detect signs of issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye, like jawbone loss or decay between the teeth. Using data from both the x-rays and the examination, your dentist can develop a personalized treatment plan to get your oral health back on the right track.
Going to the dentist is nothing to be afraid of. Dental offices are among the cleanest places you can be, so you shouldn’t have to worry about infection even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Call your dentist today so you can schedule your next checkup and cleanings as soon as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Miguel Casanas is a dentist in Plainview, NY who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of Stony Brook. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. His practice always welcomes new and existing patients for checkups and cleanings. To schedule yours, visit his website or call (516) 346-5655.