Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Fort Worth, TX
Helping Fort Worth Families Smile More Brightly
Most people would agree that it’s best to keep the amount of dental work you need (and the dental bills you have to pay) to an absolute minimum. Luckily, many oral health problems like cavities and gum disease are largely preventable. By visiting a dentist in Fort Worth just twice a year (and keeping up with good oral hygiene habits at home), you can keep your smile feeling and looking great for a lifetime. If it has been a while since you or your family has had a dental checkup and cleaning, contact Drennan Family Dentistry. We love helping Fort Worth Families smile more brightly!
Why Choose Drennan Family Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- We Treat the Whole Family Under One Roof
- Friendly & Experienced Dentist
- Cutting-Edge Technology Keeps You Safe & Comfortable
The Importance of Routine Checkups & Cleanings
Many people wait until their mouth is in pain before they come in for a dental checkup in Fort Worth. Unfortunately, if you do this, you’ll have a higher risk of needing more extensive dental work (like a crown or root canal) to fix the problem. By seeing us every six months for routine care, we can diagnose oral health problems before treatment becomes complex and expensive.
In fact, it helps to remember that more often than not, dental insurance companies will cover 100% of the cost of preventive appointments because they know it will reduce the overall dental work that a patient needs. If the insurance company saves money when you get a checkup and cleaning, you will, too (not to mention the time spent in the dental chair!).
The Dental Checkup
At your dental checkup, Dr. Drennan will do so much more than check your mouth for cavities. We’ll also do the following during your visit:
- Update and review your medical history
- Take routine X-rays as needed (usually once per year) to detect potential problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye
- Perform a quick yet thorough oral cancer screening
- Examine your gums for early signs of gum disease
- Closely look over your teeth and existing dental work to determine whether you need any additional treatment
- Answer any questions you may have regarding your dental health
The Dental Cleaning
Keeping up with your oral hygiene at home is essential in maintaining a healthy smile, but even daily brushing and flossing can’t remove all of the plaque and tartar that accumulates in your mouth. Routine dental cleanings are necessary in avoiding bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Before we begin your teeth cleaning in Fort Worth, we’ll make sure to address all of your questions or concerns. Then, a member of our team will use special instruments to gently yet thoroughly remove plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth and gums. Lastly, we’ll give your teeth a nice polish and provide you with personalized tips for keeping your smile bright and healthy between appointments.
Checkup & Cleaning FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
Regular dental exams include a visual examination of your teeth, soft tissues, and existing dental work and an oral cancer screening. Our dentist will also inspect your bite alignment to check for dental drift and address any oral health concerns you mention. Be sure to bring any removable restorations such as bridges and dentures with you so Dr. Drennan or Carlson can evaluate it and make sure it is in good shape. A regular dental exam usually takes ten to fifteen minutes, but the actual time can vary since each patient is unique.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
A person who practices excellent oral hygiene and visits our office every six months will probably only need a regular dental cleaning that may take about thirty minutes. However, a patient who has oral infections or severe tartar accumulations may require more time or need to be scheduled for additional appointments. If you wish to minimize how long your dental cleaning will take, be sure to brush and floss before you visit our family dental office in Fort Worth.
Do dental hygienists do professional teeth cleanings?
Dental hygienists typically complete routine dental cleanings and polish patient’s teeth during their regular appointments, but they are also trained to take X-rays, apply treatments like fluoride and dental sealants, and carry out oral health assessments that involve measuring the pockets of the gums and evaluating the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and jaw joints. Dental hygienists can also administer periodontal treatments and educate patients about how to improve their at-home hygiene habits so they can maintain excellent oral health.
What factors can lengthen my regular dental appointment?
Most dentists will book an hour or an hour-and-a-half session for a routine checkup and cleaning depending on whether the patient is new to the office or not. Your appointment may take longer if you have large accumulations of plaque and tartar, wish to discuss your oral health at length, want to consult with our dentist as to an elective procedure, or need X-rays. If you wish to minimize how long your appointment will take, be sure to brush and floss before you arrive at our office.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?
Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in many waterways and wholesome foods, and it possesses the remarkable ability to kill harmful oral bacteria and reinforce dental enamel. This makes it an effective way to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities, and administering a fluoride treatment after a routine appointment usually takes only a few minutes. The process involves our dentist applying a layer of fluoridated gel or foam to the teeth, and the patient will have to abstain from eating for an hour afterward.
