Eggen Dental - Cedar City Dentist - Family Dentistry
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups in Cedar City, UT
Going to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health and overall wellbeing. However, many people skip their routine dental visits due to fear, cost or lack of understanding of the benefits. This article will explain why regular dental checkups are so crucial and provide an overview of what to expect during a routine exam at Dr. Ben Eggen’s dental office in Cedar City, UT.
Benefits of Routine Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups, usually twice per year, provide numerous health benefits that go far beyond just a brighter, whiter smile. Some of the key reasons why routine exams are so important include:
- Early detection of cavities and tooth decay – Small problems are much easier to treat when caught early on. Waiting until you have a painful toothache leads to more complex, expensive treatments.
- Preventing gum disease – Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss. Regular cleanings and checkups allow dentists to monitor your gum health and treat issues like gingivitis before they advance.
- Screening for oral cancer – Dentists check your entire mouth, including your tongue, throat, cheeks and gums, for any suspicious lesions during routine exams. Early detection greatly improves outcomes for oral cancer patients.
- Monitoring for signs of other diseases – Dentists can detect symptoms of diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and more during regular appointments. Your oral health offers clues about your overall wellbeing.
- Keeping teeth properly aligned – Small orthodontic problems get worse over time without treatment. Dentists can observe emerging bite issues and alignment problems and provide early intervention.
- Professional whitening and stain removal – The dentist uses specialized tools to remove stains that daily brushing and flossing at home cannot tackle. This keeps your smile sparkling white.
- Improving bad breath – Regular cleanings and checkups help deter halitosis. Dentists can also spot gum disease, dry mouth and other issues causing bad breath and recommend treatment.
When you come consistently for preventative care at Dr. Eggen’s Cedar City dental office, problems get addressed while they are still small. This limits the need for extensive fillings, root canals, extractions and other invasive procedures down the road.
What to Expect at Your Dental Checkup
Visiting Dr. Eggen’s office for your routine dental checkup is quick and comfortable. Appointments take 30-60 minutes depending on your needs. Here is an overview of what happens during a typical preventative care appointment:
- Update medical history – It is important to inform your dentist of any new health conditions, prescriptions or supplements you are taking, as these can impact your dental treatment.
- Oral cancer screening – The dentist carefully examines your face, neck, lips and entire mouth looking for lesions, discolorations or other signs of potential oral cancer. Vital since early detection drastically improves outcomes.
- Examine existing restorations – Check for any problems with prior dental work such as fillings, crowns and bridges. Let the dentist know if you have any irritation or discomfort around restorations.
- Cleaning above and below the gum line – A professional cleaning removes hardened plaque and tartar above and below the gum line that you cannot remove through daily brushing and flossing at home.
- Assess gum health – Unhealthy gums bleed easily when probed. The dentist checks for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease and may recommend further treatment.
- Check for cavities – The dentist examines between teeth, along the gum line and all tooth surfaces for evidence of tooth decay. X-rays may be taken to check for cavities between the teeth.
- Bite and alignment evaluation – Checks for problems with how the teeth come together for proper chewing function and aesthetics.
- Teeth polishing – The gritty polishing paste leaves your teeth looking shiny and removes any residual stains.
- Flouride treatment – A fluoride gel or varnish gets painted on your teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent future cavities.
- Oral hygiene recommendations – The dentist or hygienist will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing technique and provide tips to improve your daily oral hygiene.
Some of the above services may be divided between two separate appointments, depending on your dental needs. Be sure to follow the dentist’s recommended schedule for exams and cleanings to get the full benefits.
Importance of Dental X-Rays
X-rays play a key role in routine dental exams by allowing dentists to see below the visible tooth surfaces. Standard bitewing x-rays taken once per year help detect issues including:
- Small cavities between teeth – Impossible to see these areas without x-rays. Finding cavities when they are small prevents large fillings or root canals.
- Abscesses – X-rays reveal abscesses or infections at the tooth root requiring treatment.
- Cysts – Dental cysts do not always produce obvious symptoms but can destroy jawbone and surrounding teeth.
- Impacted teeth – X-rays show teeth that fail to emerge properly or get stuck below the gums.
- Excess bone loss – Bone loss due to gum disease gets diagnosed more readily with x-rays.
Dentists use minimally invasive digital x-rays with very low radiation exposure. Multiple x-ray angles give a 3D view of your mouth. The benefits far outweigh any minimal risk. Proper use of x-rays helps the dentist detect problems early and recommend effective treatment.
See Dr. Ben Eggen for Your Cedar City Dental Checkup
Dr. Ben Eggen has been practicing dentistry in Cedar City since 2019. He takes a modern, patient-centered approach to dentistry, believing in treating patients, not just teeth.
Patients appreciate Dr. Eggen’s gentle approach, taking time to explain procedures in a way that puts you at ease. He stays current on the latest advances in cosmetic and restorative treatments. Dr. Eggen can expertly restore worn teeth, replace missing teeth, correct bite alignment issues, and dramatically whiten and brighten your smile.
His state-of-the-art dental office uses digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, microscopes and the latest equipment. You will always receive an exceptionally high standard of care.
Call (435) 708-0322 now to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning with Dr. Eggen. His friendly, knowledgeable staff assists with all financing options to make your visit seamless and affordable.
His office is conveniently located near downtown Cedar City at 395 S 100 W. Extended early morning and evening hours fit most schedules. Be proactive about protecting the health of your teeth and gums with consistent dental checkups every six months. Don’t wait until you have a painful problem. Routine cleanings and exams at Dr. Ben Eggen’s dental office will keep your smile looking and functioning at its best for many years to come.
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