Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Routine Care for Cleaner, Stronger Teeth & Gums
Oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease typically start off small and unnoticeable, but if left untreated can eventually cost you your smile. Treating these issues early on can often save you time, money, and of course your natural teeth!
While a solid, at-home oral hygiene routine is essential for protecting your smile, they don’t quite go far enough to keep it as healthy as possible. That’s why it’s so important to visit Dr. Allen every six months for your routine checkups and cleanings.
Why Choose Biological Dentistry of Kane County for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Dental Insurance Welcome / In-House Membership Plan & Flexible Financing Available
- Fluoride & Metal-Free Treatment
- Total Body Wellness Approach to Oral Healthcare
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
While it’s understandable that life can get busy and it can be tempting to simply skip your regular dental checkups if your mouth feels fine, the truth is this can cost you a lot more in the long run. Routine professional cleanings can remove all the dangerous and unsightly plaque that could eventually cause tooth decay, and cavities that you may not realize were forming can be detected and treated before they require a more costly or painful procedure to repair.
Although most dental insurance plans cover two checkups and cleanings a year, unfortunately, restorative treatments almost always result in out-of-pocket expenses. Routine visits also can prevent dental emergencies, meaning that taking the time out of your schedule for two quick dental appointments each year could potentially save you more time and money overall.
Finally, it is important to remember that poor oral health is directly linked to a variety of overall health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and even Alzheimer's disease, so routine preventive dental care could help reduce the risk of developing these potentially life-threatening conditions.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
During your checkup, Dr. Allen and the team will review your dental and medical history and discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your oral and overall wellness. Then, we’ll take a closer look at your entire mouth, screening for things like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. We may also take some images of your teeth and gums to get a closer look at their structure and search for any problems not visible to the naked eye.
If we notice anything concerning, we’ll discuss the problem and provide you with some solutions to help address it. We can then develop a personalized treatment plan for the future and give you time to ask any follow-up questions about your care.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Even with an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine, there are still parts of your mouth that are impossible to clean on your own. That’s why regular dental cleanings are so important. During your cleaning, our team will use the appropriate tools to clear away deposits of plaque and tartar that have accumulated on your teeth and along your gumline. This will reduce your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
If we notice any signs of gum disease such as deep gingival pockets, receding periodontal tissue, or bleeding, it may be necessary for Dr. Allen to perform a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing.
Finally, after all the plaque and tartar has been removed, your dental team will polish your teeth and provide instructions to help you prevent infection and improve your oral and overall health at home.
Checkups and Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
The amount of time it takes for a dental checkup depends on each patient’s unique situation. Dr. Allen and our team want to give each patient the time and attention they deserve, so we do our best not to rush. We will thoroughly look at your teeth and other oral tissues and take time to explain our findings to you. A routine exam could take as little as 10 – 15 minutes, but it can go on longer if we need to discuss a treatment plan or take extra time to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
A cleaning could take as little as 30 minutes if you have minimal plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. If you have more buildup, are wearing braces, or have other complicating factors, expect a longer process. We always strive to work efficiently without compromising the quality of the care we provide. You can expect us to be thorough and methodical.
If you would like your cleanings to take as little time as possible, be sure to keep up with good oral hygiene habits at home. You should also make it your goal to visit us every 6 months.
Why do conventional dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?
Conventional dentists recommend fluoride because they believe it can remineralize teeth and prevent decay. However, research on fluoride is mixed, and many patients are concerned with its toxic potential.
The truth is, you can maintain very healthy teeth without any fluoride at all! In fact, in our office, Dr. Allen is a holistic general dentist in Campton Hills who offers hydroxyapatite treatment as an effective alternative. This mineral naturally makes up a large portion of the teeth, and since it is structurally identical to minerals in your teeth, it is both non-toxic and biocompatible. It is great for fortifying enamel and minimizing the risk of cavities.
How often should I receive oral cancer screenings?
It is wise to get screened for oral cancer at least once a year, though we usually just perform a screening at every biannual appointment. The process is non-invasive, painless, and typically takes just a few minutes.
These regular screenings allow our team to help you identify potential signs of cancer while the disease is still in its early stages. Treatment outcomes are usually much better when cancer is detected early. Regular screenings even have the potential to save your life!
What should I expect if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?
Time can be a sneaky thing! Perhaps you have felt too busy to visit the dentist, or maybe anxiety was holding you back. In any case, if it has been several years since your last dental appointment, you might be nervous about what to expect. Well, you can expect our team to treat you with courtesy and respect. We want to help you start building new habits that will support both your long-term oral and overall health.
Your cleaning might take a bit longer than expected because skipping cleanings allows more tartar and plaque to accumulate on your teeth. You should also be prepared for the possibility that you have cavities or other oral health conditions that may need treatment.