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Dental Checkups & Cleanings – North Andover, MA
Stopping Problems Before They Start
Dr. Beliveau and his team are committed to providing exceptional preventive care in North Andover . As a vital catalyst for optimal oral healthcare, regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months (at least) can help you avoid many of the most common dental problems seen by professionals, such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Not to mention, screenings for oral cancer during these visits can save your life. If it has been a while since your last dental visit, contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you take charge of your oral health.
What Happens During a Typical Dental Checkup?
When arriving for your dental checkup, you will first be greeted by our friendly staff who will escort you to a treatment room. If necessary, we may require that you have dental x-rays taken of your smile. This will allow our team to thoroughly examine areas of the mouth that cannot be visually seen without this type of technology.
We will then check your oral cavity and facial structures for any signs or abnormalities that might point to oral cancer. Should we find any areas of concern, we will refer you to an outside specialist for additional testing. Our team will continue the checkup by looking for signs of gum disease as well as tooth decay and cavities. Any customized restorations will also be reviewed to ensure they have no damage or deterioration.
Finally, this is a great time to present any questions or concerns to our dental team , as we will be readily available to provide as many answers as possible.
What Happens During a Typical Dental Cleaning?
You will receive instructions regarding the importance of brushing, flossing, and rinsing at home. But you will also receive a dental cleaning in North Andover that will ensure your teeth and gums remain free of plaque and tartar. Using special instruments designed to clear away bacterial accumulations, we will carefully remove any built-up plaque and tartar from around your teeth and gums. This will reduce your risk for gum disease and keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
We’ll then floss and polish your teeth before offering a few tips to help keep your smile healthy between appointments.
Why Dental Checkups and Cleanings Are Important
The reason there is so much emphasis placed on dental checkups and cleanings every six months is that your oral health can quickly decline if you avoid regular care. Professionals have instruments and equipment that are far more advanced at removing bacteria, reducing odors, and improving the overall aesthetic. In a sense, we can work to stop problems long before they have a chance to start.
Without these six-month visits, you can put yourself at risk for worsening dental problems that require additional time and money to fix.
You can feel confident that your smile will remain healthy year-round as long as you commit to these regular visits with your dentist in North Andover and proper at-home oral healthcare habits.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
If you’re visiting your family dentist in North Andover for a regular checkup, you can expect it to take about 10 to 15 minutes. This is because the dental assistant and dental hygienist will gather diagnostic information before you speak with the dentist to make your visit as streamlined as possible. These include completing an oral cancer screening, taking X-rays, and measuring the depth of your gum pockets.
How often do I need to get dental X-rays?
Traditional bitewing X-rays are usually captured every six months to a year, while panoramic X-rays are typically taken every three to five years. If you’re receiving a checkup in preparation for a specific treatment, your dentist may ask the team to also capture periapical X-rays.
The type of X-rays that you receive will depend on the last time you had them taken, if you bring up any concerns with your dentist (like jaw pain or a toothache), and whether you’re a new patient or not. Some other factors that may determine how frequently you need X-rays include your age, oral health history, and existing medical conditions.
How much does a dental cleaning cost without insurance?
Patients who are uninsured may avoid going to the dentist altogether because they think it will be too expensive to receive a cleaning without dental insurance. The average cost of a regular dental cleaning in the United States for a cash pay patient is about $200, but this estimate can depend on a variety of factors.
At E. Charles Beliveau, DDS, we offer an easy-to-use in-house loyalty program for our uninsured patients to help make getting the preventive care you need more affordable. For a set annual fee, you can receive routine checkups and cleanings, as well as other important services to keep your health on the right track. Call our office to learn more about our Loyalty Plan benefits or to sign up.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?
Chances are, if you visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning, the team will offer fluoride treatment for you afterwards, which is typically not covered by dental insurance. Although it may be an additional cost, it’s well worth the investment, especially for patients who are at a higher risk of developing cavities. Fluoride helps strengthen the outermost layer of your teeth, called the enamel, helping reduce sensitivity and prevent decay until your next dental visit.