What Happens During a Typical Dental Checkup?
When arriving for your first dental checkup, you can expect to be with our team for about one hour. A member of our
staff will escort you to a treatment room, and you will meet with Dr. Weldon to discuss concerns about your oral
health. This is also a great time to ask questions.
Either a dental hygienist or assistant will then capture dental X-rays or use our intraoral camera to capture
high-resolution images that allow for a clear, overall view of your mouth. These photos are used to provide a clear
diagnosis should we find anything of concern.
After a thorough examination of your teeth by Dr. Weldon, he will discuss any treatment plans that you’ll need
to consider to improve your oral health.
What Happens During a Typical Dental Cleaning?
Once your dentist in Rome has completed his thorough examination, a dental hygienist will then begin to clean your
teeth. This will include removing any hardened plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, minimizing your risk for
gum disease. We’ll also floss and polish your pearly whites to help you to feel cleaner, fresher breath when
you leave.
If Dr. Weldon notices, however, that you are suffering from gum disease of any kind, it may be necessary to undergo
deep teeth cleaning in Rome. This is different than general teeth cleaning, and if you’re wondering how, let
us explain:
Gum disease can impact the teeth and gums, causing them to become inflamed and infected. As a result, bacteria will
attack the soft oral tissues, teeth, and bone if left untreated. By performing a deep cleaning, we can remove
accumulated plaque through a process known as scaling before smoothing out your tooth roots to encourage
reattachment and reduce the possibility of reinfection. This is known as root planing.
The Importance of Routine Dental Appointments
The American Dental Association (ADA) as well as Dr. Weldon both agree that six-month dental checkups and teeth
cleanings are essential for better oral health. Only if you suffer from periodontal disease or another serious
dental problem should you need to see your dentist more frequently.
These visits make it possible for professionals to thoroughly check for signs of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease,
damage to existing restorations, and even oral cancer. Because many of these issues cannot afford to go unchecked,
it is necessary that you keep your twice-yearly appointments to avoid more serious, complex, and costlier oral
health problems in the future as well as those associated with your overall wellness.