What Happens at Dental Checkups

Whether you're a child going for the first time or an adult who hasn't been in a while, going to a new dentist can seem intimidating. The truth is, there is nothing to worry about. Visiting the dentist for a routine checkup is pain-free, fast, and a great first step on your way to good oral health.

At Dr Silman's Smile Spas, our team understands how important feeling comfortable with your dentist visits is to maintaining good oral hygiene habits. In this blog, we talk about what our patients of any age can expect when coming in for their first dental checkup at any of our Smile Spa locations.

For a comprehensive list of our services or personalized answers to your dental health questions, please browse our website or give our friendly staff a call today.

Meet Your Dental Hygienist

So you've made a dental checkup appointment at one of the Dr Silman Smile Spas locations. Congratulations! You're taking action to improve your overall oral health, and that's quite an accomplishment!

Your visit will begin by completing the check-in process with our receptionist, after which you'll be taken back to meet your dental hygienist or certified dental assistant.

At Dr Silman's Smile Spas, we pride ourselves on our friendly, professional customer service and our ability to help our clients feel at home.

Establish Your Oral Health History

After introductions, it's time to get to work. The first part of all dental checkups consists of the dentist asking the patient about their oral health and medical history.

These questions help dental professionals thoroughly screen for oral cancer, gum disease, pain, discomfort, or other issues. Use this opportunity to ask questions about or describe any dental problems you may be experiencing.

Receive Gum Disease and Oral Cancer Screening

The oral exam is the next and most critical part of all dental checkups. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up, leading to bad breath, decay, and gum disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth decay and bone loss in the jaw. By catching it as soon as possible, your dentist is helping you save your teeth, gums, and jaw structures.

During this examination, your dental hygienist will inspect your mouth, teeth and gums, checking for early signs of a receding gum line, cavities, oral diseases, or signs of oral cancer. Your dentist may also physically examine different parts of your head and neck, checking for swollen lymph nodes in the neck, general swelling in the face, and other signs of infection. This combination of physical and visual inspection of your teeth and gums will also tell the dentist which dental treatments may be needed, and in what order they will need to perform them.

If there are signs of tooth decay or other dental problems, your dentist may order one or more dental x-rays. These special images are typically covered by most dental insurance plans and help your dentist get a detailed view of the state of your mouth and oral health.

Create a Plan for Dental Health

The next goal of the dental exam is to create a plan for establishing and maintaining the overall health of your teeth and gums.

Your dentist will attempt to treat existing tooth decay, gum disease, inflammation, and other mouth problems during this stage. If you require specialized dental treatments, your dentist will discuss these treatments and the overall cost of your needed dental care with you before proceeding.

If desired, your dentist may be able to check ahead of time with your insurance company to see how much of your dental visits your plan covers.

Fillings, Extractions, and Crowns

One of the most common dental procedures that patients need is fillings. Even minor patches of plaque and tartar on teeth can damage the enamel. At Dr Silman's Smile Spas, we offer traditional and tooth-colored filling options to restore damaged teeth and help patients safely and effectively rebuild their smiles.

We also offer teeth extractions and restorative treatments such as crowns, veneers, and implants, meaning we can help you build the healthy mouth and smile you want, no matter what. Speak to your Smile Spa dentist to learn more.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Even patients with perfect at-home dental hygiene habits benefit from regular dental check ups and teeth cleaning appointments. When you and your dentists establish a strong baseline of good oral health, you'll only need to visit twice a year for a dental exam and cleaning.

For patients who have extensive plaque and tartar buildup, we offer multiple levels of professional dental cleaning services. If possible during your dental checkup, your dentist will remove plaque, provide thorough and professional flossing, and offer any fluoride or rinse treatment you may need.

If you have sensitive teeth or require potentially painful cleaning procedures, your dentist may offer you a choice of medications or sedation during the procedure. For more extensive dental teeth cleanings, additional appointments may be needed to successfully treat gum inflammation, underlying cavities, or other serious issues.

Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup

The final step in your dental checkup is to schedule your next checkup! Don't worry. Once you've established good oral hygiene, you'll only need to check up with your dentist twice a year.

If your dentist needs you to come back for x-rays or other treatment for your teeth, our friendly Smile Spa receptionists will help you plan an ideal schedule, check with your insurance company, and more.

Start Your Journey to Better Oral Health Today

Finding your way to excellent oral health doesn't have to be challenging. At Dr Silman's Smile Spas, we work hard to help every patient get the dental care they need, no matter what.



If you're ready to get started, it's as easy as scheduling your first dental check up appointment at one of our Dr Silman's Smile Spas locations today. With a routine exam and personalized oral hygiene plan, we'll turn your dental check up appointment into an experience you'll walk away from smiling.