Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings Midwest City
Preserve Your Natural, Healthy Smile
Your mouth is important for more than a beautiful smile. Your oral and general health are closely connected. Certain dental issues are linked to various medical problems, including heart disease. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing aren't enough to keep common dental problems at bay. You also need to visit your dentist in Midwest City every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Simply call our office to schedule an appointment and we’ll make sure your smile gets the care it needs to look beautiful and remain healthy year after year.
Why Choose Midwest City Dental Center for Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings?
- Personalized treatment plans
- Advanced dental technology and techniques
- Dental team provides comfortable and compassionate care
Why Regular Checkups & Cleanings Are Important
Every tooth is vital for a healthy, functional smile. However, 120 million Americans are missing at least one. Tooth decay and gum disease are the leading culprits of tooth loss, despite both being preventable.
Your toothbrush and floss are your first lines of defense against cavities and gum disease, but they aren't enough. The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup twice per year.
What to Expect During a Teeth Cleaning
Your toothbrush and floss can't clean everywhere in your mouth. Plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach places. A dental cleaning removes the accumulations to preserve your natural smile.
Your dental hygienist will use special instruments to clean your teeth. They'll learn more about your home oral hygiene routine and make recommendations to keep your mouth clean in between your preventive appointments, such as:
- Brushing at least twice daily for 2 minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing between each tooth daily
- Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse daily
- Limiting your consumption of sugar
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
After your cleaning, your dental team may take X-rays to give your dentist a complete picture of your smile. Dr. Kendrick will examine your oral cavity and structure and review the X-rays to look for any concerns, like decay or infection.
He will discuss his findings and if any additional care is needed, like a filling or gum disease treatment. Dr. Kendrick may recommend additional preventive services, like a nightguard for bruxism, fluoride varnish, or an athletic mouthguard.
A routine checkup allows Dr. Kendrick to monitor your oral health to detect issues while they are small, so you'll avoid costly treatment later.
Investing in a Healthy Smile Can Save You Money
Research has shown every $1 spent on preventive dentistry can save up to $50 on restorative or emergency services. Visiting your dentist twice a year safeguards your natural smile while saving money down the road.
If you have dental insurance, preventive care is typically covered at 100%. You can benefit from a cleaning and checkup after a co-payment. Dental insurance can be confusing, but you don't have to navigate your policy alone. We'll help you maximize your annual benefits. We offer multiple payment options for any out-of-pocket expenses. You can invest in a healthy, beautiful smile, even if money is tight.
Schedule an Appointment Today
You can harness the power of prevention to combat tooth loss. You'll invest in a healthy mouth and body with a cleaning and checkup.
Don't Google "dentist near me." Choose a trusted dentist to care for your smile. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
A regular dental checkup must be completed by a dentist, and typically includes an oral cancer screening, as well as a visual examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues.
Dr. Kendrick will closely examine your teeth for any signs of decay, inspect your bite to ensure there are no bite problems, and address any other questions or concerns you may have about your oral health.
He will also examine any pre-existing dental work, such as dental crowns, bridges, or dentures, so be sure to bring them with you if you have them.
In total, the checkup portion of your appointment should take between 10 and 15 minutes, but it will vary depending on your individual oral health.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
If you don’t have any preexisting conditions like gum disease or signs of gum disease and visit Dr. Kendrick every six months as recommended by the American Dental Association, you’ll likely only need a regular dental cleaning.
With an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily, your cleaning should only take about 30 minutes but be sure to brush and floss before your appointment!
Should you require a deep cleaning due to excessive tartar buildup, it may take longer and require multiple visits to complete, since scaling and root planing is a two-part process.
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on your individual oral health status.
How often do I need to get dental X-rays?
In most cases, dental X-rays are taken at your routine dental checkups every six months and only take a few minutes to capture.
There are three different types of dental X-rays which are usually taken at different times:
- Bitewings are generally done every year to detect cavities.
- Periapical X-rays are done to help with pre-treatment planning and to identify any issues that may be affecting the roots of the teeth and are taken on an as-needed basis.
- Panoramic X-rays are taken every three to five years to help spot developmental issues such as orthodontic problems or to evaluate wisdom teeth.
The type of X-rays you require depends on the last time you received dental X-rays, whether you need any type of dental treatment, or if you have any concerns such as jaw or tooth pain. Other factors may include your age, your oral health history, any present medical conditions or genetic concerns.
What factors can lengthen my regular dental appointment?
In most cases, Dr. Kendrick will book either an hour or a 90-minute appointment for your regular dental checkup and cleaning, depending on whether you’re a new or existing patient.
Some factors that can lengthen your appointment include whether Dr. Kendrick notices any oral health concerns during your checkup, the last time you had X-rays taken, or if you have any questions or concerns about future dental treatments.