Regular dental visits are an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but there is not one schedule that is right for every patient. How often you should visit the dentist can depend on your oral health, dental history and individual needs.
Some patients need routine preventive visits only, while others may benefit from more frequent monitoring because of gum health, previous dental treatment, ongoing symptoms or other concerns.
At Fontana Dental Group, we evaluate each patient individually and recommend a dental-care schedule based on what we see during examinations and cleanings.
Regular dental visits give your dental team an opportunity to monitor your teeth, gums and overall oral health.
Regular dental examinations give your dental team an opportunity to monitor your teeth, gums and existing dental work over time. Your dentist can recommend how often you should return based on your individual oral-health needs.
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?
Dental problems do not always cause pain when they first begin. Cavities, gum inflammation, worn dental work and other changes may develop gradually before you notice obvious symptoms.
Routine dental examinations give your dentist an opportunity to look for those changes and compare your current oral health with previous visits.
Check Your Teeth
Your dentist can examine your teeth for signs of decay, fractures, wear and other changes.
Monitor Your Gums
Gum health can change over time, making routine evaluation an important part of preventive care.
Review Existing Dental Work
Fillings, crowns and other restorations can be checked for wear, damage or other concerns.
Discuss New Symptoms
Sensitivity, discomfort or changes you have noticed can be discussed during your dental examination.
Preventive dental care is about more than cleaning teeth. It gives your dental team an opportunity to watch for changes before they become larger problems.
How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning?
There is no single cleaning interval that is appropriate for every patient. The frequency can depend on factors such as plaque and tartar buildup, gum health, previous dental problems and how well your teeth respond to your home-care routine.
Your dentist and dental hygienist can recommend a schedule after evaluating your teeth and gums.
- Your current gum health
- History of cavities or tooth decay
- Amount of plaque and tartar buildup
- Existing crowns, fillings or other dental work
- Previous periodontal treatment
- Dry mouth or other oral-health concerns
- Your home brushing and flossing routine
- Changes identified during previous visits
What Happens During a Routine Dental Visit?
A routine visit generally combines professional preventive care with an evaluation of your current dental health.
Depending on your needs, your visit may include professional cleaning, examination of your teeth and gums, review of existing dental work and dental X-rays when appropriate.
More Than Just a Cleaning
A preventive visit gives your dental team an opportunity to evaluate several areas of your oral health at the same appointment.
- Examine your teeth and gums
- Remove plaque and hardened deposits
- Check existing dental restorations
- Review dental X-rays when appropriate
- Discuss sensitivity or other concerns
- Recommend appropriate follow-up care
Why Professional Dental Cleanings Still Matter
Brushing and cleaning between your teeth at home are essential, but some deposits can become difficult to remove without professional dental instruments.
Professional cleanings help remove plaque and hardened deposits from areas that may be difficult to clean thoroughly at home. They also give the dental team an opportunity to evaluate areas where buildup tends to occur.
Tooth pain, swelling or other symptoms should be evaluated, but routine dental care is designed to monitor your oral health before a problem becomes painful. If you are experiencing an urgent concern, visit our Emergency Dentistry page or call (909) 822-2226.
What If It Has Been a Long Time Since Your Last Dental Visit?
If you have fallen behind on dental visits, the important step is simply to get started again. Your dentist can evaluate your current oral health and determine what care may be appropriate now.
After the examination, your dental team can explain any findings and develop a preventive or treatment plan based on your current needs.
Dental Care for Different Stages of Life
Dental needs can change over time. Children, teenagers, adults and older adults may have different preventive and restorative needs.
Regular visits allow your dental team to adjust recommendations as your teeth, gums, medical history and existing dental work change.
Looking for a Dentist in Fontana, CA?
Fontana Dental Group has provided dental care to patients and families in Fontana since 1965. Our office provides general, cosmetic, endodontic and emergency dental care, including preventive examinations and professional dental cleanings.
If you are due for a dental visit or are unsure when you should return, contact our office. We can help you schedule an appointment and discuss your current dental-care needs.
Is It Time for Your Next Dental Visit?
Contact Fontana Dental Group to request a dental examination and cleaning or to discuss questions about your oral health.
