What to Expect at Your Dental Checkup
At your checkup, we will take digital X-rays for your file. Digital radiography emits about 80% less radiation than the traditional method and immediately provides detailed images that are viewable on a computer screen. Additionally, we capture digital photos with our intraoral camera, allowing us to zoom in on the images and assess fine details of your teeth and gums for accurate diagnosis. Oral cancer claims over 7,500 American lives annually, so Dr. Skatvold and Dr. Johnson look for suspicious lesions as early treatment of oral cancer literally saves lives.
An inspection of your gum tissue will tell us if you’re one of the 80% of people who suffer from gum disease. This condition often goes unnoticed, but it can increase a person’s risk for heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes complications, and low-weight births. If you have gingivitis or a more advanced stage of gum disease, our hygienist will recommend prompt and effective treatment.
In addition to inspecting your teeth and gums, we will assess your bite (how your upper and lower teeth fit together). Proper alignment makes oral function more comfortable. Many people suffer from teeth grinding and headaches that relate to misalignment of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Our dentist can prescribe an oral appliance to restore proper jaw function and eliminate grinding. A nightguard or TMJ appliance may also relieve headaches, earaches, and facial pain.
Depending on what we discover during your dental checkup, some of the following may be recommended:
Fillings
Most people develop tooth decay or experience structural tooth damage at some point in life. In the past, dentists used amalgam fillings to restore decayed teeth, but these dark fillings can look unattractive, especially on front teeth. Our dentists place amalgams upon request, but they typically recommend tooth-colored composite resin fillings.
Composite fillings are metal-free, containing no mercury, and they can be custom-tinted to march the color of your natural tooth. Once placed, a composite filling virtually disappears, blending with the restored tooth. Fillings require only one visit for placement, so you’ll be in and out of our office quickly. However, if left untreated, a small cavity can grow and cause significant damage, which may necessitate a crown or root canal to repair. Following through with treatment now can save you from pain and expense in the future.
If dark amalgam fillings detract from your beautiful smile, ask one of our dentists about replacing the amalgams with composites. Over time, fillings wear out and leak, so you may need new fillings anyway. Tooth-colored composite resin fillings will give you an all-white, natural-looking smile you’ll love to show off to the world.