Often people are hesitant when the subject of visiting the dentist is brought up. They may have had an uncomfortable experience in the past, usually as a child or when a tooth was taken out. Many feel embarrassed about the state of their teeth and insecure in allowing a dentist to see any flaws. While it can be daunting, visiting the dentist regularly has many benefits for your oral health and is very worthwhile doing.
A dentist’s job is to look after your teeth, gums and all other oral structures, while contributing to your overall health and well-being. We believe it’s important to take the time to get to know each patient when they visit us, before rushing into any treatment. By listening to you, we can fully understand why you have come to us and what you hope to accomplish, whether it be fixing a toothache, whitening your teeth or simply making sure everything looks healthy. Only after we know the reason for your visit do we begin to focus on how we can best help you.
At our Vale Dental, Brookvale clinic, the dentists diagnose any problems you might have using a variety of tools, including digital x-rays, occlusal analysis and visual inspection. Among other things we search for tooth decay, gum conditions and signs of tooth wear. Once we fully understand your needs and the state of your oral health, we can advise you on how to best treat any problems you may have. We present a variety of treatment options, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each and making sure you make an informed decision about which treatment is best for you.
Even if you are not aware of any problems, by visiting the dentist regularly we can screen for areas where future problems may arise and prevent them from occurring. For example, our x-rays at Vale Dental may be able to spot signs of early tooth decay before your tooth develops a hole. In this scenario, applying a small amount of specialised fluoride can help the tooth regain its strength, preventing the need for a filling.
Professional cleaning of your teeth can also prevent gum conditions from starting and progressing. When food and bacteria become stuck to your teeth, they can crystallise and form calculus (also called tartar), which slowly contributes to destroying the gums and bone in your mouth. It takes approximately six months for this process to occur, and by visiting the dentist regularly for a check-up and clean, your risk of tooth decay and gum conditions significantly decreases.
To conclude, a visit to the dentist is beneficial in maintaining and improving your oral health, and regular visits ensure that problems are prevented or treated in a quick and efficient manner. With a strong, healthy and aesthetic smile, people gain confidence in their appearance, which has a positive impact on their overall health. Visit us at Vale Dental and we’ll be happy to talk to you more about this topic.
