Dental Checkups & Cleanings – South Windsor, CT
Stopping Dental Health Problems in Their Tracks
Brushing and flossing are two of the best things you can do for your smile, but unfortunately, they simply aren’t enough to ward off all potential dental conditions. To truly keep your smile free from cavities, infections, and more, you’ll need to visit a dentist in South Windsor every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Here at South Windsor Dental, Dr. Sara Curcio would love to help keep your smile bright and healthy. All it takes is two short appointments a year!
The Importance of Routine Dental Checkups & Cleanings
The teeth are very complicated structures with surfaces that your toothbrush and floss aren’t always able to fully clean. Plaque can gather on these surfaces and eventually cause a whole host of oral health problems, such as cavities and gum disease. Not only can these issues be painful, but treating them tends to be more expensive than a routine preventive appointment. Stopping dental health problems in their tracks will end up saving you a great deal of time and money in the long run. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to come in for checkups and cleanings even if everyone consistently brushes their teeth.
The Dental Cleaning
Your appointment will begin with a professional teeth cleaning from one of our talented, friendly dental hygienists. They’ll use special instruments to target plaque in the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss are unable to reach. Afterward, they’ll give your teeth a thorough polish to remove surface stains and help them shine a little more brightly. We can also apply a fluoride varnish or dental sealants if necessary to minimize your risk of tooth decay in between appointments. Lastly, we can recommend oral hygiene products for you to use at home.
The Dental Checkup
Following your cleaning is the checkup portion of your visit. You’ll spend some time talking with Dr. Curcio, where she can help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Next, she’ll perform a detailed examination of your mouth, including all of your teeth, your gums, and any existing dental work such as crowns. We’ll also take digital X-rays of your mouth to detect any trouble spots that cannot be viewed with the naked eye. Based on her findings, Dr. Curcio will develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
Dental Checkups and Cleanings FAQs
Routine checkups and dental cleanings in South Windsor are equally important for your oral health as your toothbrush and floss. Although you know you should see your dentist at least twice a year, you might still have a few concerns about your upcoming appointment. There isn’t any reason to worry. Here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about preventive dentistry visits.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
We suggest bringing the following information with you:
- Patient information form
- Dental insurance card
- Valid driver’s license, military ID, or state ID
- Patient history form
- Any necessary authorization forms
Why do I need dental X-rays?
Many oral diseases can hide out of sight, like below the surface of the teeth or in the surrounding tissues. We use dental X-rays to have a complete picture of your oral health. We can check for many common issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as:
- Small areas of decay between teeth or below existing dental work
- Infections in the bone
- Periodontal disease
- Abscesses or cysts
- Developmental abnormalities
- Some types of tumors
Why do I need a fluoride treatment?
Although fluoride is often recommended for children, you’re never too old to benefit from the treatment. Also known as “nature’s cavity fighter,” it can keep your enamel strong to make your teeth more resistant to decay. In some cases, it can even reverse areas of weakened enamel. Dr. Curcio may suggest a fluoride treatment for a variety of reasons, such as for patients with weakened enamel or tooth sensitivity.
How long will my first appointment take?
We advise patients to arrive 10-15 minutes before their appointment in case there is any paperwork or additional information required. While every appointment varies, most initial visits last 1 to 1.5 hours. If you need any treatments, they’ll be scheduled for a different day.
Can I use my dental insurance to pay for a cleaning and checkup?
Every policy is unique, but almost all dental plans cover preventive dentistry 100%. After paying your monthly premiums, you can use your benefits for a variety of services, including cleanings and checkups. We’ll work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the required claim forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. If you need a treatment, we will help you maximize your annual policy to offset the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.
How often should I see a dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends everyone over the age of 2 has a preventive appointment every 6 months. For patients with healthy smiles, semi-annual visits are often sufficient; however, people who have certain issues may need to come into the office more often, like gum disease. If a complication develops in between your routine appointments, like a toothache, don’t wait to contact our office. We’ll restore a healthy smile quickly using a personalized treatment plan.