Regular, preventative dental care can save a patient from developing more severe problems down the road. The majority of people need to visit a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning. Even if someone is diligent about brushing and flossing at home, regular check-ups can detect problems with teeth and gums before they become more serious. Professional cleanings also remove tartar and plaque that regular brushing and flossing cannot. Dentists in St Peter MN provide these services and individuals can request an appointment online, in person or by phone.
Consultation
If someone has not been to a dentist in a while or needs to change dentists due to insurance coverage changes, an initial consultation is needed. The consultation includes a review of previous dental treatments, current concerns, a discussion of available services, and x-rays. A set of professional x-rays helps a new dentist determine whether a patient has fillings and where those fillings are located. The x-rays also help determine whether there are more serious problems, such as the need for tooth extractions and suspected bone loss.
Preventative Treatment
Consistent cleanings and check-ups are the best way to avoid more serious problems, such as cavities. While preventative services cannot guard against all potential problems, professional cleanings and check-ups can help prevent the development of cavities. Checkups can help dentists determine whether there is a need for more advanced treatments, such as braces, retainers, and artificial replacements. Dentists in St Peter MN should be willing to listen to a patient’s concerns and check them out thoroughly on each visit.
Beyond preventative needs, patients seek dental care for emergencies and for concerns that have developed over time. Perhaps someone’s teeth are becoming more sensitive or old fillings need to be replaced. It is best to seek treatment for issues before they become more serious. Preventative care treatments are an opportunity to raise these concerns so a dentist can perform a more thorough check-up and test to see if a patient’s concerns are valid. Since most insurance plans cover the costs of preventative treatments and check-ups, patients should use these opportunities to raise any concerns to save money.
