General dentistry has a focus on achieving and maintaining oral health and wellness. When patients visit their dentist every six months for a cleaning and evaluation, they are taking a proactive approach to their oral health, significantly reducing their risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease while also following good habits each day at home. Preventive care is often overlooked, and some patients only visit their dentist when a problem occurs. They may skip these appointments, when in actuality, these visits are extremely important to their oral health in the long run.
Below are a few of the more commonly asked questions about regular dental checkups that Dr. Chong Lee hears from his patients at Galleria Dental Aesthetics:
How often do I need to see my dentist?
Patients should be visiting their dentist at least every six months as recommended by the American Dental Association. This allows the dentist to build a positive relationship with the patient, improving the smile with cleanings and x-rays to monitor for signs of problems. Patients should also call their dentist if any changes occur between appointments that need further evaluation.
Am I going to get a cavity without routine visits?
Not necessarily. However, cavities caught in the earlier stages are easier to fix than those left to become larger and more damaging to the natural tooth structure. Finding these cavities sooner is key to a healthier smile.
What happens during general dental checkups?
A general dentistry checkup often includes x-rays, a dental cleaning, and an evaluation by our dentist. Patients might also be educated on how to care for the smile between appointments.
Why are routine visits important?
Finding problems early is key to ensuring a healthier smile. These routine visits allow patients to build trust and respect for their dental team while keeping the smile clean and healthy for a lifetime!
How do I know if I am taking proper care of my smile at home?
If there are any concerns within the patient’s smile, our team will speak to the patient about the problem and educate them on how to resolve it with proper home healthcare or later visits and treatments.
Call Dr. Chong Lee of Galleria Dental Aesthetics of McLean, VA
Call (703) 448-1020 to request a consultation visit with our team of professionals at our practice, conveniently located at 1600 Tysons Boulevard, Suite #120.