Check in with Your Dentist in Abingdon, VA Today: Because Regular Exams Matter

It's surprising how easy it is to forget good oral care habits. If this sounds like you, take time today to call your dentist. Abingdon, VA patients who are happiest with their teeth make the time to see Dr. Johnston regularly.

We recommend a check-up every six months so we can identify and prevent a variety of oral health problems. Need another incentive? You'll stay healthier generally with good dental care.

What to Expect: Steps in a Typical Dental Check-Up

Each visit differs based on each patient's situation. But, generally speaking, check-ups include several steps. We start by reviewing your concerns, dental chart, and medical history so we can determine the most appropriate care for you.

The check-up also includes cleaning your teeth. This enables us to clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums and to remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. If needed, we polish your teeth to smooth their surfaces and to remove light stains.

A regular check-up includes a careful visual exam of your mouth. We check for decay on the biting surfaces of teeth, signs of wear, cracks, or other problems with restorations such as fillings and crowns, as well as any abnormal loss of tooth structure.

In addition, we check the color and contours of your gums. Red, swollen gums are often signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. We use a periodontal probe to check the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. Readings deeper than 3 millimeters often indicate periodontal disease.

We also diagnose any sores or lesions on the soft tissues of your mouth, screening them for signs of oral cancer.

Other conditions cannot be easily seen, so we often take X-rays, which show us decay between and inside your teeth, as well as tartar on your teeth and their roots. X-rays also show us signs of periodontal disease, such as the loss of bone around the teeth. In addition, X-rays allow us to see cysts, abscesses, and other problems.

We may also examine your jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) to help diagnose potential TM disorders. Sometimes check-ups include additional treatments based on your individual situation.

We review your homecare routine and give you advice on a good diet for maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile.

Regular check-ups are important because neglecting dental conditions can lead to much more serious problems:

• Infected teeth
• Tooth loss and shifting teeth
• Receding gums
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Painful jaw joints

With regular exams, we can detect problems early and help you maintain your oral and overall health. Call Dr. Johnston and schedule your regular exam today at (276) 623-2211.