How Often Should I Go to the Dentist?

When was your last trip to the dentist for a checkup and general cleaning? On average, this should be a regular appointment you keep every six months. Sadly, about 100 million American adults downplay this important appointment and skip it every year. They typically think, “My teeth seem fine — why go to the dentist?”

The experienced dentists at Madison Family Dental Group, Dr. Shiva Salehi and Dr. Benjamin Radlein, know the importance of keeping a watch on their patients’ oral health in Fair Oaks, California. They recommend everyone follow the standard guidelines for obtaining routine oral care at their office. And, some may need even more frequent appointments for dental care. 

Why you need professional oral care

In spite of the most regular and thorough brushing and flossing routine, your teeth still need professional care. Human teeth are a virtual labyrinth of nooks and crannies that brushing and flossing alone can’t possibly keep clean. So, as tartar and plaque build up in hidden places, you need a professional cleaning to eliminate these insidious invaders to prevent more serious oral problems from developing. 

Moreover, many dental issues like gum disease or cavities develop without obvious symptoms. By the time you feel there’s a problem inside your mouth, serious damage may already have occurred, and that damage can cost much more to correct than it would have to prevent. 

This is especially true when you consider that most dental insurance covers routine preventive care, like your bi-yearly checkups and cleanings, completely. Avoiding routine professional dental care is a sure way to create more expense and inconvenience for yourself. 

What to expect in a routine dental visit

At your routine dental visits to Madison Family Dental Group, Dr. Salehi or Dr. Radlein performs a series of exams to assess your oral health and the condition of your teeth, gums, and oral cavity. These can include: 

• Oral cancer screening
• Digital X-rays
• Gum health assessment 
• Bite evaluations
• TMJ screening 
• Close exam for chips, cracks, and cavities

You also receive a professional tooth cleaning and polishing by our skilled dental hygienist. This process uses tools to remove any accumulated plaque or tartar from your teeth, leaving them clean and bright. 

The dentist informs you of any problems that may warrant treatment, as well as explains these recommended treatments. Many of these can be performed during your visit, without the need to schedule another appointment. 

When you need more frequent dental care

If our dentists don’t detect any dental problems or reasons for additional treatments, they recommend you return every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. 

If you’re at higher risk for oral health problems, or if you display any signs of problems, the dentist recommends you return more often. This allows us to perform other needed treatments and keep a closer watch on your oral health. Some people have conditions that can contribute to dental health problems, and they also warrant a more frequent checkup. This includes those with: 

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Cancer treatments
• Pregnancy
• Smoking

When you have other dental needs

Of course, you may need to call on us in between routine checkups when a dental problem arises. We offer emergency dental care for a host of oral issues. Such problems can include: 

• Loose fillings
• Problems with an old dental restoration
• Tooth sensitivity
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Persistent or worsening tooth or gum pain
• Chronic dry mouth
• Pain or clicking in your jaw
• A cracked, broken, or missing tooth

These dental problems each require prompt attention to avoid more involved treatment. We offer sedation to help ease any anxiety or dental phobia while we attend to your dental repairs. 

Do you need to schedule a routine dental checkup and cleaning? Are you experiencing a dental problem? Contact Madison Family Dental Group at 916-226-4635, or request an appointment online.