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Benefits Await at Your Next Dental Checkup
Dental checkups are about more than just a clean smile; they’re a vital part of your overall health. At Bliss Dental, our twice-yearly checkups offer preventive care that goes beyond teeth. We focus on detecting dental health issues early, providing immediate treatment, and even correlating your oral health to overall well-being.
Not everyone places dental care as a top priority, and various factors such as busy schedules, lack of insurance, or forgetfulness contribute to infrequent dental visits.
If you don’t visit the dentist annually, you’re not alone. According to “USA Today,” 34 percent of Americans don’t. However, skipping your regular dental checkups can put your oral health and future quality of life at risk. We encourage you to take one hour out of your day to prioritize your oral health. We make it easy to schedule an appointment—just call (305) 274-6500. Our friendly staff won’t judge you for not having prior dental care, and we’ll be happy to help you catch up.
What Is a Dental Checkup?
A dental check-up is an important part of preventive health care, and it involves an oral exam performed by a medical professional. During the checkup, the dentist or hygienist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of disease or decay. They may also take images to look for hidden problems that they can’t see during a visual exam. The checkup should also include a comprehensive cleaning to remove plaque from your teeth and leave them sparkling clean.
Candidates for a Dental Checkup
Candidates for dental checkups span all age groups, from infants to seniors, making it a universally recommended practice. Whether you’re someone with excellent oral hygiene aiming to preserve that healthy smile or you are grappling with oral health concerns like bad breath and poor hygiene, a dental checkup is indispensable. Making regular visits to a dental professional every six months is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health, catching early signs of issues, and getting timely advice and treatments to restore or continue good dental care.
The Importance of Routine Checkups
Visiting the dentist is important for keeping your natural teeth. A study from Gallup in 2014 found that states with higher dental visit percentages had lower rates of adult tooth loss. In Connecticut, 74% of adults visited the dentist and had a tooth loss rate of 9%. In West Virginia, only 57% visited the dentist, and 37% had complete tooth loss. This correlation shows the importance of dental visits. If you do lose your teeth, we offer dental implants, bridges, and denture replacements as a solution. However, regular visits for preventative care can help you avoid significant tooth loss, which is less time-consuming and less expensive.
Scheduling a dental checkup can prevent toothaches and infections. In the 33183 area, we have seen that toothaches can cause people to miss work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that oral health issues result in 164 million lost work hours each year. If you have a busy schedule and think you don’t have time for the dentist, you should still schedule a checkup. Not doing so could lead to more serious health problems and time off work. Without preventive dental care, you are at a higher risk for tooth decay, infection, and periodontal disease.
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What Happens During Your First Dental Checkup?
Bliss Dental offers dental checkups with gentle dentists who prioritize your relaxation and ensure your utmost ease during the process. We acknowledge that certain individuals may have a dental phobia or concerns about their health, which may deter them from seeing a dentist. If this applies to you and you happen to have a cavity, rest assured that we will treat your tooth with utmost care and caution, addressing your dental health concerns without causing any additional discomfort.
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To schedule your dental checkup, please call 305-274-6500. Our staff will prepare everything for your visit. During your dental checkup, we’ll examine your gums for any signs of infection or gum disease and check the back of your teeth for cavities. If we identify any dental issues, we’ll go over your treatment options. We can even fix minor cavities on the spot. Before commencing any procedures, we’ll make sure to thoroughly explain each step. To gain a comprehensive view of your oral health, we will take dental X-rays to check for infections, decay, or the positioning of your wisdom teeth.
We’ll also conduct a dental cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria. Depending on your needs, we might recommend a fluoride treatment or dental sealants to help with tooth sensitivity.
Additionally, we can perform an oral cancer screening as a preventive measure based on your medical history. Finally, we’ll discuss other treatment options, such as dental implants or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, ensuring you leave with a complete understanding of your oral health status.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Dental Care
People often wait for dental care because they feel anxious, lack time, or have financial concerns. However, we do not recommend this approach. Instead, we suggest scheduling a dental exam every six months, even if you are not experiencing any discomfort. Doing so enables us to cleanse tartar, detect cavities, and prevent gum disease. Our primary objective is preventative treatment, and a regular checkup is crucial in achieving that goal. Therefore, we encourage you to visit us for oral health protection and improvement.
Dental Checkup Cost
The cost of a dental checkup can vary, depending largely on your dental plan and the extent of work performed during your visit. Dental insurance plans often cover routine checkups and preventive procedures, possibly requiring minimal or no out-of-pocket costs. If we recommend additional work, you’ll receive a cost estimate in advance. Your dental plan may cover many such procedures.
Our dental office is equipped to guide you through your plan’s details and answer any questions regarding dental insurance, payment options, or financing. We aim to help you initiate dental care without unnecessary stress or delay. To minimize your dental checkup cost, make sure to review your plan documents beforehand, and feel free to reach out with any inquiries.
Are There Any Potential Risks During a Dental Checkup?
Although dental checkups are generally considered safe, patients should consider some potential risks. The most common risk is discomfort or pain during the dental procedure. This can range from minor discomfort to more severe pain. To reduce this risk, the dentist will provide you with an adequate amount of anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Additionally, we will take all necessary steps to minimize any potential risks, such as using the correct tools and maintaining a sterile environment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015
Why Choose Dr. Gaertner of Bliss Dental?
- As the son of a dentist, Dr. Gaertner‘s passion for dentistry began at an early age. Following high school, Dr. Gaertner attended Nova Southeastern University in South Florida, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and then graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree. Dr. Gaertner has practiced dentistry in both the United States and his home country of Belgium and now calls the Miami area home.
- He practices a variety of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, root canal treatments, and Invisalign. Dr. Gaertner has also integrated the use of dental lasers and Botox injections into his state-of-the-art dental and oral care practice.
- Bliss Dental is a full-service facility offering top-notch, compassionate care and providing services ranging from routine dental care and endodontics to cosmetic and restorative dentistry that enhance patients’ smiles.