Checkups: What Are You Looking For In There?

What do you think we are looking for when we perform a dental checkup on your smile and surrounding structures? Are you under the impression that we’re counting your teeth? That we are seeking out chewing surface cavities and that’s it? Since you know we’re taking X-rays, looking around, etc., it’s understandable that you would love for us to let you in on exactly what we are monitoring as you come in! Let’s go down the list of the key concerns.

Gingivitis

We’re looking for gingivitis or other signs of gum disease when you come into our practice for your dental checkup. You might not always notice this first occurrence of gum inflammation when you’re at home but we can spot it and treat it right away.

Cavities

Yes, we are looking for tooth decay during your dental checkup. You are correct! However, not only in your chewing surfaces. We seek out decay on every surface of your teeth because it can occur on any surface!

Signs of Wear

Our team looks for serious signs of wear as we examine your smile. Such symptoms can alert us to a problem like bruxism or TMJ disorder that requires treatment.

Signs of Oral Cancer

We know that it’s a little scary to know that we’re looking for signs of oral cancer during your checkups. However, we ask you to think of it in the most positive way possible. This is a powerful act of prevention. If we notice even the slightest change, you can receive treatment very, very early on (rather than later, when effectiveness of treatment is not so high).

See Us For Checkups Two Times A Year

Remember that we encourage you to call up to set up a visit two times every year, which shakes out to approximately once every six months. Contact Absolute Dental Care today in Virginia Beach, VA to schedule a visit by calling (757) 428-7440. We proudly welcome patients Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampton, Eastern Shore, and all surrounding communities.