Our regular dental exams keep your teeth in good shape. It’s easy to take your oral health for granted. However, your teeth, tongue, and mouth are constantly in use as you eat, chew food, talk, and swallow liquids.
It’s easy for people to disregard how important good oral hygiene is. Unfortunately, ignoring it can have severe consequences. Luckily, our dentists can help!
We encourage our patients to attend regular checkups and oral health exams. Doing so prevents the need for emergency appointments. To schedule your checkup, give us a call at 318-865-1600.
Why Are Regular Dental Exams Important?
Generally, you should visit our office for a dental cleaning every six months. In some cases, patients require more frequent appointments. For example, if you have a chronic dental condition, it may require more frequent care.
Beyond cleanings, regular exams are important for us. They help us catch problems early on. Moreover, it allows us to monitor and map out your treatment plan.
When we catch a dental condition in its early stages, we can work with you to correct it. Left unchecked, these problems can require more extensive procedures, such as a root canal or a dental implant.
What Happens at a Dental Exam?
When you visit our dentists for an exam, we carry out a few procedures. First, we give your teeth a thorough cleaning. We use our specialized equipment to remove plaque and clean your teeth and gums. Additionally, we remove any tartar buildup.
After your cleaning, we examine your teeth. In some cases, we will take dental X-rays to get a better look at your teeth. These help us check the alignment of the teeth and your gum health.
How Much Do Dental Exams Cost?
Dental exams cost between $40 and $400, depending on the procedures, x-rays, cleanings, specialty services, and insurance.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
A dental cleaning typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the health of your teeth, level of plaque, and other factors. We examine your teeth, remove dental plaque and tartar, and polish the enamel during your teeth cleaning. Appointments that require x-rays may take longer.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Here’s what you can do to prepare for your dental exam:
- If you have any questions, be sure to write them down.
- Is it your first appointment with us? Get your dental records from your last dentist. You can ask their office to fax them to our clinic beforehand.
- Bring in any floss, toothpaste, or toothbrush you have questions about. We can recommend an alternative if necessary.
When you visit our clinic, we want you to feel comfortable. Taking care of these things ahead of time can make it easier to relax. If you need any adjustments to care, give us a call ahead of your appointment, and we’ll do our best.
Ready for Your Next Exam & Cleaning?
It’s normal to have some concerns or questions before a dental exam. At Kerst & Caskey Family Dentistry, we are here to help. Our top priority is your oral health.
If you’re ready to set up your appointment with a skilled Shreveport dentist, give our office a call at 318-865-1600.