Routine Dental Care Dubuque, IA

Routine Dental Checkups

Checkups are usually recommended every six months. Patients should make the dental team aware of any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties they may have to ensure steps are taken to make the checkup as comfortable as possible. The dentist may need to be visited more frequently depending on the state of a patient’s oral health.

During a checkup, a dental professional will clean and polish the teeth, and give home oral care recommendations. The dental professional will also check the mouth for decay and disease, possibly with the aid of dental X-rays. If someone is not a new patient, has not skipped any regular appointments, and has good oral health, they may not need to see the dentist during the appointment.

At-home Oral Hygiene Care

To maintain good oral health between dental checkups, an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential. Here is a list of recommended steps this routine should include:

• Brushing twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothbrush
• Flossing once a day
• Using a fluoride mouthwash

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, and the dentist may recommend additional steps depending on your oral health situation. If a patient is unsure about what oral hygiene products to use at home, they should ask our dental team for recommendations.

Dental Care for Unique Smile Needs

In some cases, additional care that goes beyond regular dental checkups and routine brushing and flossing may be necessary. Our dental team will discuss these needs and provide guidance.

Scaling and Root Planing

The dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to treat gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. While this procedure is similar to the scaling the hygienist performs on teeth during a regular checkup, the focus is not only on the surface of the teeth around the gums but also underneath the gums. Scaling and root planing goes beneath the gumline to remove buildup. In some cases, a patient may be referred to another dental professional for this procedure.

Smile Makeovers

If a patient has crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth, or other aesthetic concerns, these can be treated with cosmetic dentistry procedures. In some cases, smile imperfections that seem like only cosmetic issues have implications for oral health as well. Always speak with our dentist about any concerns. They will provide further guidance and, if necessary, help with a referral to another health professional.