Assessment of your medical history
Before any medical examination begins, your dentist and dental hygienist will review your medical record and ask you any questions about your medical history. They may ask about past dental problems, as well as chronic health problems and allergies that don't seem to have much to do with your teeth. This is because some conditions affect your oral health, while others can make x-rays dangerous.
Answer any questions as best you can and try to relax.
Have a medical examination
At the beginning of your dental check-up and cleaning in Geelong, your dentist or hygienist will examine your mouth for tooth decay, tartar, and any medical conditions. They will physically examine your gums, cheeks, tongue, and jaw to check for diseases or even cancer if you are at risk.
In some cases, an x-ray may be compulsory. Your dentist will take x-rays to regulate if you have cavities that need to be filled. The type of x-ray depends on the dentist. Some have a special device to put the film in their mouth and take multiple shots from different angles.
Brush your teeth
Cleaning is done after the dentist realizes that there are no serious problems with your mouth and teeth. However, professional dental cleaning is different from clearing your teeth through a toothbrush and toothpaste at home.
Your dentist or hygienist will use a process called scaling, a cleaning method that uses special equipment called scrapers to deep clean the gum line. Exfoliation removes plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with a regular brush or dental floss (or that have formed after not flossing for a long time).
Once you've finished removing the tartar, your dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth with something called fluoride paste. Fluoride paste protects tooth enamel from tooth decay and removes stains or plaque more effectively than regular toothpaste.
Brushing your teeth shouldn't be very painful unless you
have gum problems or sensitive teeth. However, this can be a little awkward.
You are probably not used to the sensation of flakes pricking your teeth, and
fluoride paste can be hard and uncomfortable. Just remember that this brushing
is essential to improve the health of your teeth. Your dentist will also help
you get over the discomfort and give you water at the end to rinse off any
remaining paste.
Follow-up care
Your dentist cares about the health of your teeth even after you leave the office, not just when you are sitting in the alveolar chair. At the end of record visits, you can expect to receive information on how to care for your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will advise you on the best methods for brushing and flossing your teeth.
Dentists are not nutritionists but can provide nutritional advice. Sentimental foods and acidic drinks damage your teeth, so your dentist may recommend that you limit your intake of certain foods.
At the end of your visit, some dentists may even give you a gift bag with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and other items you need to maintain oral health.
Once you know what to expect during your dental checkup, you
can forget about anxiety and fear. Your dentist and hygienist will help you
maintain oral health, so ask any questions you may have and they will be more
than happy to provide any advice and guidance.
