(386) 734-8585Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings – Deland, FL
Make Your Pearly Whites Shine and Sparkle
Many people freeze up in fear at the idea of getting their teeth cleaned, but as Dr. Cowell and the rest of our team will tell you, there is absolutely nothing to fear about visiting the dentist. In fact, only good things can come from attending a checkup and cleaning every six months. Keep reading below to learn all about the benefits of regular dental appointments. And, if it has been more than half a year since your last one, give us a call today to set up dental checkups and teeth cleanings in DeLand, FL!
What Happens During a Dental Checkup?
During the first portion of your appointment, we’ll examine the muscles in your head and neck, your gums, each tooth, any existing dental work, and your jaw using both a visual exam and X-rays as necessary. This typically takes about an hour, and we use all the information we gather to formulate a custom-made treatment plan for every patient.
Why X-Rays Are Important and Safe
You might be concerned about being exposed to radiation during dental x-rays, but the truth is that the level of radiation they contain is so low that x-rays are deemed safe for children and adults alike. To lower your risk of radiation exposure even further, your dentist in Deland will place a lead “bib” over your chest and abdomen to avoid radiation to your vital organs. Dental x-rays may not be safe for pregnant women, so if you are pregnant, please let us know so we can adjust your treatment accordingly.
Even Dr. Cowell’s trained eyes can’t detect every little problem that may exist within your mouth. That’s why we use dental x-rays. They allow us to diagnose issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as decay between the teeth or problems with the jawbone. We highly recommend getting x-rays taken at least once a year, or more often if you have a history of poor oral health.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
After your checkup is complete, you’ll be handed off to one of our dental hygienists for a teeth cleaning to make your pearly whites shine and sparkle. The hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar (which build up when you neglect to brush and floss) from each and every one of your teeth and along your gumline. You can get rid of plaque on your own through your regular oral hygiene routine, but once it hardens into tartar, only a dental professional can remove it.
Once your teeth are sufficiently plaque- and tartar-free, the hygienist will use a high-powered toothbrush and floss to thoroughly clean your teeth. They will also polish your teeth with a special paste that not only removes surface stains, but makes it more difficult for bacteria to build up on your teeth in the future. Lastly, we can apply a topical varnish of fluoride, which strengthens your teeth and greatly reduces your risk of developing tooth decay.
Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Crucial to Your Overall Health
While you might recover from certain medical conditions over time, dental health problems typically worsen the longer you put off treatment. Additionally, many of them don’t display noticeable symptoms like discomfort until serious damage has already been done. For this reason, it’s important to visit us often so that Dr. Cowell can diagnose any problems early on.
In the grand scheme of things, regular cleanings are just as important. High levels of plaque and tartar contribute to issues like gum disease and tooth decay. If you don’t attend your cleanings at least biannually, plaque and tartar buildup can seriously harm your teeth and gums, eventually leading to tooth loss. Gum disease in particular has even been linked to other health issues, like diabetes and heart disease. In that case, seeing your dentist regularly could even save your life!
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental examination usually take?
The American Dental Association recommends scheduling a routine visit every six months to help catch and treat any areas of concern before they progress into more serious issues. If you’ve been avoiding making an appointment because you’re worried about a lengthy visit, you can thankfully set your fears aside.
It doesn’t usually take too long for our team to examine your teeth and gums to check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer. In fact, this portion of your appointment might only take about 10 to 15 minutes, although it can vary depending on your unique circumstances.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
After your examination, our team will professionally clean your teeth and gums to remove stubborn plaque and bacteria that cause common problems, including cavities and gum disease. This often takes about 30 minutes to complete from start to finish, though if can be longer if you have built-up tartar or our team finds other issues requiring treatment.
The more consistently you brush and floss twice daily at home, the less likely you are to require a long cleaning during your next checkup!
How often are dental X-rays required?
Are you curious how often you need to have X-rays taken? These advanced images allow Dr. Cowell and the rest of our team in DeLand to see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums to ensure nothing problematic has developed there. It’s recommended that patients have them done during routine exams every six months to monitor their condition and catch potential problems, such as a cracked root or a thinning jawbone, in time to treat them effectively.
However, there are different types of X-rays, and not all of them are required as frequently. For example, bitewings are typically taken at least once annually and help detect cavities, while periapical X-rays help identify issues in the roots and are taken on more of an as-needed basis. Meanwhile, panoramic X-rays can be taken once every few years to help spot developmental issues, like overcrowding, bite alignment, gaps, or other orthodontic concerns.
How much does a standard checkup and cleaning cost without insurance?
Dental insurance often covers up to 100% of routine checkups once your deductible has been met, but our team understands that not everyone carries a policy. It’s natural to wonder about the potential cost, but the answer can vary from person to person.
Usually, most people can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $200 for an exam and cleaning, but this can vary depending on your unique circumstances. Different factors, like your physical location and current dental condition, can potentially influence the final cost.