How often should I visit the dentist?
Many people decide to visit the dentist only if there are any problems with the teeth or other elements of the oral cavity, considering that there is no need for regular consultations with a specialist. The main explanation for this point of view is the fear of pain and the conditional drill, formed in childhood. Modern dentistry has made much progress in comparison with the 80-90 - ies of the last century, but still not many people come for consultations and preventive examinations, considering a visit to the doctor a waste of money and time.
This opinion is absolutely wrong, since even in the absence of symptoms in the teeth, various pathological processes can occur, which can be easily diagnosed and eliminated at an early stage. If you do not apply in time, it is possible that there will be a need to remove the tooth.
How often do I need to come to the dentist?
The schedule of visits is determined individually. Consultations twice a year are optimal. In the presence of chronic diseases of the oral cavity, for example, gingivitis, periodontal disease, pulpitis, visits to the dentist every three months are recommended. Approximately the same schedule should be followed by children – conducting regular examinations will allow kids to get rid of fear and trust a specialist with dental treatment without anxiety.
The examination of the oral cavity does not take much time. In the absence of any problems, the dentist will set a date for the next consultation and give recommendations for dental care. If there is such a need, the doctor can give a referral for X-ray diagnostics or a visit to a hygienist to eliminate tartar.
How often do I need to visit the dentist with braces?
After installing the bracket system, the dentist must be visited every month for correction. If a self-ligating system is installed, regular consultations and corrections are also necessary, but a little less often-once every 2 months. In addition, professional hygienic sanitation of the oral cavity is required every 3 months. The dentist removes the arch, performs all the necessary manipulations and installs the braces in place.
Why do I need to see a dentist before surgery?
It is known that diseased teeth are the focus of infection. That is why, in order to eliminate the possibility of infection during surgical intervention, it is necessary to perform oral cavity sanitation by a dentist. A specialist conducts an examination and determines whether the patient has signs of an inflammatory process and tooth decay.
A certificate of oral sanitation is required before performing various cosmetic manipulations, surgical interventions on the brain, eyes, and organs of the digestive tract. In urgent situations, there is no need for a dental examination.
Why should pregnant women visit the dentist?
A visit to the dentist is necessary even during pregnancy planning to avoid dental problems during the gestational period. In pregnant women, the most common problems are the following:
- Violation of the acid-base balance, the consequence of which is the development of caries.
- Excessive excretion of calcium from the body, causing deterioration of the enamel.
- Changes in hormone levels in the body of a pregnant woman often cause gingivitis.
For the safety of the future mother and fetus, the dentist must know the terms of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that tooth extraction, any manipulations and interventions should be carried out in the second trimester, since during this period of gestation, the negative impact of medications on the fetus is minimal. After the examination, the doctor gives recommendations on the observance of oral hygiene. If dental intervention is unavoidable, the doctor uses anesthetics that are allowed for pregnant women.
A certificate of oral sanitation is necessary when registering at the maternity hospital and before delivery to eliminate the likelihood of infection, because the presence of infectious agents is dangerous for both the expectant mother and the fetus.
How often do I need to clean my teeth at the dentist?
Daily self-cleaning of the oral cavity and compliance with all hygiene rules does not protect the teeth from deposits and tartar. Complete elimination of bacterial cells and food residues is not possible even with the use of an expensive high-quality brush and paste, so it is necessary to periodically clean your teeth professionally. On average, the need to remove dental deposits occurs once every 6 months, but the frequency of the procedure is determined individually. If a person carefully monitors his oral cavity, using not only a toothbrush and paste, but also other additional devices, deposits may not be even after six months. Smokers, lovers of coffee, tea and chocolate may need a quarterly removal of dental deposits. You also need to identify certain cases in which an extraordinary cleaning is necessary:
- Orthodontic treatment. Before installing braces, professional teeth cleaning is necessary to ensure an optimal fit of the structure.
- Pregnancy or its planning. Changes in the body of a woman in such an important period for her can cause more serious problems with her teeth. That is why preventive sanitation and, if necessary, remineralization of enamel is so important.
- Bleaching. The procedure will not be effective enough if the deposits are not removed beforehand.
- Preparation for planned surgical intervention.
- Installation of dentures or crowns.
The doctor also examines the teeth for the presence of a carious process and recommends filling if it is present.
Why can't I eat after dental procedures?
After filling the tooth, dentists recommend that you refrain from eating for 2-3 hours. This is due to the fact that the seal "takes root"during this time. Also, do not drink coffee and strong tea during the day, as they can color the material.
After removing dental deposits, it is recommended to give up food containing coloring pigments for 2-3 days. For one day, you will have to refrain from smoking, as the yellowish tint of the teeth, characteristic of smokers, may return soon after cleaning.