Your teeth and gums feel fine and they look great. It’s okay to skip that dental checkup just this once . . . right? Short answer: no. Good preventive care includes twice-daily brushing and flossing at home, but it’s also important to get yourself to the dentist every six months.
Just because you can’t feel or see a problem does not mean it’s not there. And a professional cleaning is essential for removing built-up plaque and tartar.
We understand that you’re busy. We get that going to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to do. But at Davenport Dental Group, we do everything we can to ensure your visit with us is comfortable and even pleasant. And sticking to a schedule of twice-yearly appointments will pay off with a lifetime of good dental health.
To book an appointment at Davenport Dental Group, call one of our two Laredo, TX offices: Â Junction Drive (956-242-6745) or Winfield (956-517-2695).
What to Expect at Your Checkup
One of our experienced and gentle hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth. She will be able to get areas around and even beneath the gumline that are virtually unreachable by your toothbrush at home. Using special instruments, she will scrape away the plaque and tartar that will cause gum disease, tooth decay, and halitosis if not removed. She will also give your teeth a professional flossing and polish them so they look as clean as they are.
Digital X-rays
We may want to X-ray your mouth and teeth at your checkup. X-rays enable us to see problems that are underneath the surface and not visible to the naked eye. Issues that may be discovered via X-ray include impacted wisdom teeth, jaw damage, cysts, abscesses, tumors, and decay that’s hidden between the teeth.
We use modern digital X-rays, which emit a small fraction of the radiation of traditional X-rays.
A Thorough Examination
One of our doctors will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. He will be able to spot signs of gum disease and tooth decay well before you experience symptoms. And when it comes to dentistry, the earlier an issue is spotted, the easier it is to treat.
Other Preventive Service
At Davenport Dental Group, in addition to cleanings and exams, we offer a number of optional preventive dentistry services you may want to consider for yourself or your children.
Sealants
Dental sealants may protect anyone’s teeth, but they are commonly recommended for children specifically. The Centers for Disease Control says that kids without sealants are three times more likely to have tooth decay than kids with sealants.
Sealants are a plastic coating typically applied to the back molars. It is a quick and painless process. The teeth are cleaned and prepped with an acid solution that roughs up the enamel (so the sealant adheres better). The liquid sealant is painted onto the the grooves of the teeth and set with a special curing light.
Sealants help keep teeth healthy by creating a physical barrier that prevents decay-causing acids from reaching the tooth enamel. They are not a substitute for excellent cleaning and brushing habits, but add another layer of protection that lasts for several years.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that’s an essential component of strong, healthy, tooth enamel. Without it, your enamel weakens and your teeth become vulnerable to acids and decay.
Your enamel constantly sheds fluoride in a process called demineralization. So it’s important that your supply of fluoride is replenished regularly.
You may get fluoride through tap water (most water supplies are fortified with the mineral), toothpaste, and mouthwashes.
At Davenport Dental Group, we offer special treatments and varnishes so you can be sure you and your kids’ teeth are getting the fluoride they need.
Mouthguards
Are you or your children involved in activities that could cause injury to the mouth? Anything from football to soccer to field hockey to bike riding may put your teeth and gums at risk. At Davenport Dental Group, we can craft a mouthguard that will protect the teeth and soft tissues from injury. Because our mouthguards are completely custom designed and made for your mouth, they fit perfectly and are easier to wear than the store-bought variety.
If you or anyone in your family is due for a dental checkup, don’t put it off. Request an appointment through our convenient online form or call either one of Davenport Dental Group’s Laredo, TX locations. You can reach our Junction Drive office at 956-242-6745 or Winfield at 956-517-2695.