15
Mar
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Routine preventative dental care is vital to your oral health and overall wellness. In addition to taking good care of your teeth at home, having regular dental checkups can help tremendously in the prevention and early detection of dental issues. At Maegan Elam, DDS, and Associates in Bedford, Texas, our goal is to make sure that your dental checkups are as easy and quick as possible while also taking the time to identify any areas of concern.
How often should you get dental checkups?
Several factors determine the frequency of dental visits, but a general rule of thumb is to come in every six months. Individuals with recurring or ongoing dental issues such as cavities or gum disease may be advised to come in more often.
What to expect during the visit
There are a few things you can expect during your routine dental visits. For starters, all new patients will fill out health questionnaires to inform our team of their medical and dental history and any concerns they currently have.
Many routine dental visits will include x-rays. The process itself is quick and painless. A protective apron will be draped over your chest as the imaging machine takes pictures of your entire mouth. Next, a dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning of our teeth along with a preliminary assessment. In-office dental cleanings are extremely effective at removing tartar buildup that can be difficult to remove by at-home brushing and flossing.
The final step of the visit is a review of the x-rays and a dental exam by Dr. Elam. Dr. Maegan Elam will perform a thorough visual exam of the mouth, looking for signs of decay, gum disease, or any abnormalities. She will also look for any signs of mouth cancer. If any problems are discovered, she will make recommendations for treatment.
Protect your oral health with routine dental care
Regular dental checkups allow your dental team to monitor your oral health closely and detect any issues that arise early when they are more easily treated. At Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates, our goal is to make your dental experience a positive one. If you are in the Bedford, TX area, give us a call at (817) 283-2871 today.
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Dr. Maegan Elam is a highly sought-after dentist in Bedford with a talent for easing dental anxiety. Graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Hardin-Simmons University, she worked as a dental assistant for a year before obtaining her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She is a part of the American Dental Association, the State of Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society. Dr. Elam has completed advanced training in offering oral-conscious and nitrous oxide sedation to help patients have peaceful dental experiences. She has a conservative approach to providing excellent dental care and believes in preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible.