What Does a Dentist Do at a Checkup?

Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining oral health. Procedures used during a checkup are noninvasive and vital to determining if there are any issues like tooth decay or gum disease.

Medical History

• The first step is to fill out a form and answer questions about your medical and dental history. This determines if there are any existing issues like tooth sensitivity.

Visual Examination

• The dental hygienist will look at your mouth with a probe to determine if there are any visible problems. She will examine each tooth and make a chart of your mouth to record things like missing teeth.

Cleaning

• Teeth cleaning is done with a probe that gently scrapes away plaque and a mirror for added visibility. Your teeth will be flossed and polished with a toothbrush that has a small, rotating head.

X-Ray

• Some cavities are small or occur between the teeth. X-rays are taken to better identify them. You will be given a protective shield to wear to minimize the effects of radiation.

Finishing Up

• The last step is sometimes a fluoride treatment, done by applying a gel or foam to the teeth for several minutes. The dentist then double-checks the hygienist's work, studies your X-rays and determines if further treatment is necessary.