Dental Checkups & Cleanings Branford

Protect Your Precious Oral Health

Dental appointment circled on calendar

You have probably heard it said that you should visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning twice every year, or once every 6 months. At first, that might seem like an arbitrary recommendation, but these preventive services are actually incredibly important! They can do much to protect your precious oral health, reduce your risk of numerous medical problems, and help you save money in the long run. If it has been longer than 6 months since your last visit, call our Branford team today to get an appointment on the books!

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?

Friendly & Courteous Dental Team
Dental Insurance Welcomed
Top-Quality Care for Virtually All Ages

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?

Smiling dental patient in treatment chair

If your mouth feels fine, and you have good oral hygiene habits, you might be tempted to reason that there is no reason to attend basic cleanings and checkups. However, these visits are important for everyone! Here are some reasons why you should not skip them:

Dental problems often start out subtly. You might not even be aware that an oral health problem is developing. Your dentist may be able to identify and treat it before it becomes serious.
Tartar cannot be removed at home. Tartar is the hardened version of plaque, which cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush. Rather, it should be removed by a dental professional.
Preventive care can help you save money. By staying on top of your oral health, you may prevent the need to spend large amounts of money on restorative services.

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup

Dentist showing X-ray to patient

During your routine checkup, several things may happen:

We will perform a thorough visual examination of your teeth and gums, looking for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions.
Periodically (once a year in most cases), we may order X-rays so we can take a look at what is happening beneath your gumline.
If we see the need for any restorative treatments, we will share our recommendations with you.
If you have any questions about how to care for your oral health, please ask. Our dentists and hygienists are full of knowledge that they are eager to share!
If you have any medical conditions that may affect your oral health, we will provide personalized guidance based on your situation.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

Patient looking at her teeth in mirror after dental cleaning

During your cleaning, your hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated on your teeth. During this process, you may feel some pressure and very mild discomfort (the better your at-home oral hygiene is, the easier your cleaning will be). Your hygienist may floss your teeth as well. It is also common for a cleaning to include a polishing service, which removes surface stains so your smile can look bright and fresh.

While your hygienist cannot make any official diagnoses, they will make observations about your oral health and communicate them to your dentist.