If it’s been a little while since you’ve seen the dentist for a teeth cleaning, you may be wondering how often you really need to see a dentist like Dr. Nathan Williamson for an oral exam and teeth cleaning, or you may not know what to expect when you do make an appointment for preventive care. Let’s discuss everything you need to know.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO SEE THE DENTIST?

We recommend that you see the dentist every six months. This is the interval recommended by the ADA (American Dental Association) and all other major dental organizations. By seeing Dr. Williamson every six months and maintaining good at-home oral hygiene, you can protect your teeth and gums.

Six-month visits are recommended because they offer a variety of benefits. First, most dental plans will cover twice-yearly dentist visits, so you will be making the most of your dental plan if you see Dr. Williamson twice per year.

Even if you don’t have insurance, regular dental visits can still save you money. Dr. Williamson will be able to check for oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay during your appointment. By catching and treating these issues early, you can avoid complex, invasive, and costly treatments like root canals and periodontal cleanings.

You will also enjoy a brighter smile, a healthier mouth, and peace of mind after your appointment. For all of these reasons and quite a few more, we highly recommend seeing Dr. Williamson for a consultation every six months.‍

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY DENTAL APPOINTMENT? 

Not sure what will happen at your consultation at Williamson Dental? Here’s an overview of what you can expect from your appointment.

  • X-rays – We recommend that first-time patients get x-rays taken, as these will allow Dr. Williamson and our dental team to recognize past dental work, look for hidden oral health issues, and learn more about the health of your teeth and gums.
  • Teeth cleaning – One of our dental hygienists will scale away plaque and tartar from your teeth, buff your smile with a gritty polishing paste, and floss to remove any remaining food debris.
  • Oral exam – Dr. Williamson will perform a comprehensive oral exam to look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. Then, he will discuss his findings with you.
  • Treatment plan – Depending on the results of your exam, you may need further treatment like fillings or periodontal cleanings, but if you received a clean bill of health, you’ll simply schedule your next six-month cleaning and oral exam with Williamson Dental.

CONTACT WILLIAMSON DENTAL FOR EXPERT DENTAL CARE

If you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning and oral exam, Dr. Nathan Williamson is here to provide you with the expert dental care you need. We’re always accepting new patients at Williamson Dental, so don’t wait. Contact our Columbia IL dentist office now to schedule your first consultation.