If you haven't been to the dentist for some time, you probably have a significant amount of plaque on the surface of your teeth. For this reason, it may take some time for the hygienist to clean each tooth professionally. We recommend that you do not schedule any meetings or activities immediately after your oral exam. Now let's say that two years have passed.
At this point, your tooth decay may be getting to the point where you need more than just a filling. Patients may begin to feel tenderness and pain in their teeth, and may need root canals and a crown to save the tooth, Gargano says. This is because the tooth is regularly exposed to acids, bacteria and sugars and, over time, tooth decay can worsen even more without regular cleaning. These fears can easily overcome your desire to take control of your health, leading to them going even more years without visiting the dentist.
After the hygienist has cleaned your teeth, your dentist will thoroughly check your mouth for cavities, signs of gum disease, and possible problems that may have occurred. If it's been a few years since you visited the dentist and you need restorative treatments, the costs will be higher. Based on the x-rays, your dentist will be able to evaluate your entire oral health and, from there, provide you with the necessary treatment recommendations. Once the hygienist has completed the cleaning and your dentist has completed the oral exam, he or she will discuss what is needed to maintain your oral health.
a board-certified pediatric dentist and director of the Family Health Centers at New York University's Langone School of Dentistry, tells Hel You may not think you'd wait five years between visits to the dentist, but it's really easy to let half a decade go by without even a cleaning. So what happens if you don't go to the dentist for an extended period of time? Dentists generally recommend a cleaning and general evaluation approximately twice a year to remove plaque and tartar, check for cavities, etc. If you haven't visited the dentist for several years, the first time you return will be a little different from regular visits. When scheduling your appointment, be sure to be honest when reporting your last visit to the dentist, as this will give the dentist and hygienist an idea of what to expect, what tools are needed, and how long the visit will last.
We'll provide you with “sunglasses” to make sure the light doesn't bother you, or you can close your eyes and relax. The dentist will use some dental instruments to carefully check your gums and the health of your teeth. We'll give you unhurried time with your dentist to ask you questions, express your concerns, and discuss your treatment options.
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