Start the New Year Right With a Dental Check Up

Now is a great time to re-think your typical approach to making New Year’s resolutions. Some of the most common goals people may make include changes to improve their weight or health. Things like:

Eating better
Cutting back on caffeine
Giving up smoking
Exercising more

One resolution you might not have considered for the New Year is to visit the dentist more often to keep your smile healthy before major issues ever have a chance to develop. Start the year with a dental checkup in Murrieta!

Why Checkups Are Important

Why are dental checkups so important for good oral health? Here are a few things to consider if you’re due for a visit:

Early Cavity Detection

Cavities begin as demineralized areas in the tooth enamel. Plaque buildup on your enamel can cause these surface decalcifications. When detected early, plaque can be removed completely, and fluoride can be applied to the affected area. This will stop the decay process before a physical hole forms in your tooth.

If you have an active cavity in your tooth, our dentist in Murrieta can detect it and treat it as soon as possible. A small filling can be used to repair the damage rather than waiting months and needing a crown or even a root canal.

Oral Cancer Evaluation

Oral cancer can be silent and extremely deadly if it’s not caught quickly. Unfortunately, it’s hard to detect on your own. Most people don’t discover it on their own until it’s too late. At Springs Dental in Murrieta, Dr. Pulsipher includes oral cancer screenings as part of your dental exam. This is a life-saving benefit for patients who come to us for their preventative care.

Gum Disease Prevention and Gingivitis Reversal

Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and fortunately, it’s completely reversible. This condition causes redness, swelling, and bleeding around the gums. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper preventative care and good oral hygiene. Unfortunately, periodontal disease is not. Springs Dental can help you identify any areas at risk for periodontal infection and help you address them before permanent damage occurs.

Dental Care Below The Surface of Your Gums

X-rays can be used to check for abscesses, root damage, assess the bone level, and screen for decay. Digital images allow us to evaluate the entire tooth and not just the area above the gumline. We take digital images at specific times to monitor the development of children’s smiles, assess wisdom teeth in teenagers, and assist adults with planning their smile reconstruction. They play an important part in comprehensive care planning and diagnosis.

Customized Dental Hygiene Advice

Our team will show you how to clean hard-to-reach areas and at-risk spaces in your smile. This will allow you to take control of your gum and tooth health. We can also provide fluoride treatments and sealants when appropriate.

What Happens at a Dental Exam?

During your checkup, we will examine and assess every aspect of your smile. From oral cancer screening to addressing orthodontic concerns and checking for gum disease and cavities, each part of your smile is evaluated. We will examine each tooth and the surrounding gums, as well as all soft tissues in your mouth and any existing dental work. We will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have, such as tooth pain or sensitive teeth. These visits are a great time to ask any questions, even if it’s about a possible future smile makeover.

Dental Checkups Help Keep Your Teeth For Life

Even if you have a family history of tooth decay or loss, routine preventive care is essential. Your grandparents or parents may not have had access to the same preventive care as you do. Modern preventive dentistry allows you to maintain all or most of your teeth for the rest of your life with routine cleanings and preventive dentistry services.

Schedule Your Checkup Today

Has your family been to a dental clinic near you for a checkup in the last six months? Springs Dental can help you schedule an appointment time that works for you. Call us today!