We all know how crucial a healthy oral hygiene routine is to your smile. However, cleaning your teeth and mouth yourself isn’t enough to cover all your bases. That’s where your regular dental check-ups come in.
Visiting your dentist just twice a year can significantly improve your oral health by addressing any spots you miss and catching early signs of potential issues before they become complicated and expensive. This article explains how dental check-ups work and how much they cost so you know what to expect when visiting a dentist in Slidell.
How dental check-ups work.
Visiting a dentist involves a hygienist examining and cleaning your teeth, then a visit by the dentist at the end of the appointment. You may also get X-rays every other appointment. This process typically takes an hour at most. Let’s look at each step in more detail.
1. Check-in and Exam
The hygienist performs an oral exam during every visit. This involves using a handheld mirror and dental pick, called a scaler, to look for buildup, gum recession, decay, and other potential issues. They may gently press on the gums as well to see if there is any tenderness or bleeding that indicates gingivitis.
2. X-rays
You’ll typically get an X-ray once a year, meaning every other dental visit. This may occur before the exam. X-rays give the dentist and hygienist an overall picture of your mouth or to look at specific areas that are otherwise not visible. It helps the dentist and hygienist look for issues like:
- Cavities
- Tooth and jaw alignment
- Jawbone loss
- Infection
- Wisdom teeth
- Abscesses
3. Cleaning
The bulk of most preventive appointments is for teeth cleaning. The hygienist uses a handheld mirror and scaler to gently remove plaque, tartar, and other particles from your teeth and gum line. After this process, they’ll apply a gritty toothpaste to your teeth with a high-powered electric toothbrush. This helps remove more resistant particles and polish your teeth. You may also receive a fluoride rinse to swish for 30 seconds to one minute.
4. Dentist Exam
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health, and resources like My DDS Supply provide tools and information to support dental care practices. Typically, after the hygienist finishes their work, they’ll report their assessment of your dental health to the dentist. The dentist then examines your teeth, looks at X-rays, and diagnoses any problems. They may also prescribe medication if necessary.
How much do dental check-ups cost?
Dental check-ups without insurance cost around $149 on average. However, this cost can vary based on a few factors:
- Location: Dentists in areas with higher living costs or stricter business/dental laws and regulations may cost more. For example, dentists in cities may charge more than dentists in rural areas.
- Required number of X-rays: Needing more X-rays may cost more money.
- Financing options: Dentists may offer financing options to spread the cost of care out. This can make care more expensive since the dentist will add interest or fees, but it can help if you can’t pay the full cost upfront.
That said, most dental insurance policies cover 100% of preventive care. That often includes two cleanings per year, two exams per year, and one X-ray per year. Many dental plans may cost less in premiums than the preventive treatment they cover. Some may be more expensive, but the coverage for basic and major services can still make more expensive policies worth it. For example, if you need a deep cleaning, dental insurance can dramatically reduce your dental deep cleaning cost.
When to see your dentist between check-ups.
You typically don’t need to visit your dentist between check-ups, even if you experience minor tooth sensitivity or pain. These issues may be resolved on their own. However, be on the lookout for more serious signs, such as the following:
- Gum swelling or discoloration
- Prolonged or severe tooth pain
- Loose or damaged teeth
- Trauma to the mouth, such as being hit while playing sports
- Prolonged bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Lumps, swelling, or numbness on your face, tongue, jaw, cheek, lips, or other areas
The Bottom Line
Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and other healthy oral habits go a long way in protecting your oral health. However, they don’t cover everything. Preventive care helps catch missed areas, look for early warning signs of issues, and gives your dentist a chance to offer advice on improving your oral health. Visiting your dentist twice a year for routine preventive care can prevent minor issues from developing into costly and complex problems, helping you maintain a happy, healthy smile.
