No oral health care routine is complete without daily brushing and flossing. However, at-home care can only go so far. That’s why routine checkups and cleanings are so important to long-term oral health. At Friedland Family Dentistry of Pembroke Pines, our dentists make sure that no underlying dental problems are present and confirm that you’re doing everything you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Feel free to call our office today to schedule your next appointment!
Once you’ve checked in with our front desk, one of our hygienists will lead you to one of our dental operatories where you’ll briefly wait to see one of our dentists. Before your actual exam, our hygienist will perform a detailed cleaning, making sure to remove all plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth as well as the deep nooks and crannies on your mouth. These areas can often be difficult to clean at home. They’ll also floss in between your teeth to ensure a truly comprehensive cleaning.
After the cleaning is complete, one of our dentists will come in and speak with you directly about your dental concerns. This way, they know what to keep in mind as they complete your exam. Finally, they’ll provide their recommendations on any potential treatments they think would help improve your oral health.
Our office recommends visiting at least once every six months. If you have children, we recommend bringing them in for a brief checkup once they reach the age of one or within six months of their first tooth erupting.
Keep in mind that the frequency of professional visits can vary depending on your current oral health or certain treatments you might currently be undergoing. For example, if you have severe gum disease and you are currently undergoing periodontal therapy, we ask that you come to our office once every three to four months. This gives us an opportunity to confirm that your therapy is working as intended and that no gum disease is reappearing.
While it may seem that having a good at-home brushing and flossing routine is enough to keep dental disease at bay, professional visits are necessary for a number of reasons. For example, only a dentist can:
You know you’re supposed to visit your dentist regularly for a cleaning and checkup; however, you might have several concerns about the appointments. We have the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us to make informed decisions for your oral health.
The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup at least every 6 months if you have good oral and general health. Children as young as 2 should also visit their dentist regularly. Depending on your specific oral health needs, we may recommend more frequent appointments, such as if you have a history of gum disease.
Many people believe preventive appointments aren’t necessary, or they only need to see a dentist when a problem arises. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Routine visits allow us to safeguard your smile against preventable issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. We’ll also monitor your oral health to detect concerning problems early for quick intervention, like a cavity. Your regular visits will lower your long-term dental expenses by preventing a costly treatment down the road. In fact, every $1 spent on preventive dentistry can save you as much as $50 on restorative services.
X-rays are common during regular visits because there can be issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye. X-rays give us a complete picture of your oral health to spot any problems that may be lingering below the surface of your gum tissue, like infection or cysts.
There isn’t a set fee for a preventive visit because the cost is determined by your specific needs. If you have dental insurance, your policy likely includes coverage for cleanings and checkups. By paying your monthly premiums, you can have a preventive appointment 1-2 times per year. We will work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary forms for reimbursement. We’ll explain how your coverage is being used and if you owe a remaining balance. If there are any out-of-pocket costs, our office accepts a variety of payment methods. We will help you find an affordable solution to invest in a healthy smile for minimal expense.
When it comes to your dental care, you don’t want to pick the first dentist listed on Google. Instead, it’s best to take your time to choose the best dental practice for your specific needs. Dr. Friedland strives to help his patients reach and maintain their oral health goals through the power of prevention. He completed his dental degree at the University of Florida and underwent additional training in general dentistry, implantology, and Invisalign. As the son of a dentist, he is passionate about providing personalized services for each patient. If it has been 6 months or longer since your last checkup and cleaning, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.