Not Just For Kids
To maintain your general health, it is important to maintain your oral health care! See us for all of your dental care to receive treatments that are as Distinctive as you are. We serve patients in Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood, as well as the North Seattle, WA, area.
Dental Check Up
The Importance of a Dental Checkup
No different from a routine medical checkup, a regular dental checkup is just as important. By scheduling a regular dental checkup, you maintain good, defensive dental care and protect your overall oral health and general well-being. A regular dental exam at Distinctive Dentistry, allows Dr. Streit and his dental team to educate you on the proper guidelines for caring for your teeth and the opportunity to detect any problems or threatening problems.
What is important to understand is that dental problems are most treatable in their early stages. Because preventative care is so important, Distinctive Dentistry recommends you schedule and keep your dental checkup.
How Often Should I Have a Dental Checkup?
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association recommends that for good preventative dental care you should schedule dental exams every six months. However, Distinctive Dentistry may recommend you schedule more dental checkups, depending on your individual dental needs. Even if you are a denture wearer or no longer have your natural teeth, it is still very important to schedule regular dental exams to maintain good oral health.
Dental Checkups at Distinctive Dentistry
The first step in preventive dental care is to schedule a routine dental checkup. Once you are at the office, the process for your dental checkup starts by Dr. Streit or one of his hygienists cleaning your teeth. After a thorough dental cleaning, they will check for any gum inflammation or bone loss. Normally, while performing your dental checkup, they also evaluate your threat for developing tooth decay and any other basic oral health problems.
When they begin to examine your face and neck, you may find this to be somewhat strange, however, they are checking for any abnormalities in structure. Often, during your dental checkup, your hygienist will take dental X-rays or will perform additional diagnostic procedures based on the preliminary checkup for comparison purposes.
If Distinctive Dentistry inquires about your diet and oral hygiene routines, do not be surprised. You may be unaware, but sometimes, your habits unknowingly contribute to poor oral health. During your dental checkup, Distinctive Dentistry may also want to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Dr. Streit may also discuss with you other topics during your dental exam, such as
- Medications
- Tobacco products
- Tooth loss
- Crowns, fixed bridges, or dental implants
- Dentures
- Cosmetic procedures
Your dental exam allows you the chance to ask meaningful questions about your oral health care. During your dental exam, you can also express any dental concerns you may have. For example, if you are a victim of dental anxiety or dental fears, ask Distinctive Dentistry about sedation dentistry. By using sedation dentistry, Dr. Streit can lessen your anxieties or dental fears, allowing your dental checkup to become a routine, pleasant experience.
As part of your dental checkup, Dr. Streit will also perform an oral cancer exam using OralID™. Early detection increases the chances for oral cancer survivors.
Dental Exam Outcomes from Distinctive Dentistry
Once your dental exam is complete, either Dr. Streit or his hygienist will take the time to discuss your overall oral health with you. Issues discussed may include your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and any other oral health problems you might be experiencing. The discussion also includes preventative measures you can take to improve your overall dental care and protect your oral health.
Your thorough dental exam concludes with a discussion of the best time to return for a follow-up visit. Typically, the recommended follow-up visit is in six months. If your dental health indicates you are at a high risk for tooth decay, gum disease, or have other oral health problems, Dr. Streit may recommend dental checkups at an increased frequency.
To schedule a checkup, call us today.