One of the smartest things you can do for your smile is to see our dentist for your regular dental cleanings and exams in Vancouver, Washington. It is these visits that give Dr. Vaughn Teuscher the chance to locate and address small any problems with your smile before they become big ones, or better yet, prevent them from occurring in the first place. If it is time for your checkup, call Two Rivers Dentistry at 360-256-1202 and speak with a member of our team.
We highly recommend that both adults and children come in for a regular exam and cleaning every six months. This is important because having your teeth professionally cleaned improves your long-term oral health. It also provides our dentist with the opportunity to detect issues such as tooth decay, misaligned teeth and infections as early as possible. Preventive dental care is the best, most cost-effective way to keep your teeth for a lifetime. We encourage you to schedule an appointment, even if it has been a while since you last visited a dentist. Routine exams typically take about 45 minutes to complete.
What To Expect at Your Exam
Our hygienists clean your teeth by scraping away plaque and tartar that has built up over time. We also brush and floss your teeth for you and discuss ways you could improve your oral hygiene habits if necessary. Dr. Teuscher will then check your teeth, gums and jaw for obvious signs of problems.
Our team also takes X-rays to look for problems that are not visible with the naked eye. Some examples include cavities between the teeth or wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted. The intervals at which we take X-rays may be limited by the restrictions of your dental insurance provider. Most allow X-rays at least once per calendar year.
While inspecting your mouth, our dentist will look for gingivitis, gum disease, bruxism, TMJ and other common dental issues. We will also screen for oral cancer at each preventive exam. Even if you do not have an obvious issue now, Dr. Teuscher may determine that you are at risk of developing one in the future. This allows us to create a prevention plan.
Some issues only require monitoring while others need more aggressive intervention. Our dentist will discuss the findings with you before you leave your routine exam. If we do find a problem, you will need to return for a follow-up appointment or visit a specialist to have it treated. Preventive dental care on a regular basis for routine maintenance can save a lot of future pain and problems down the road, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
How To Prepare for Your First Routine Exam With Us
The team at Two Rivers Dentistry wants you to feel comfortable in every encounter with us. If you have not visited us before, we recommend that you obtain your full medical history. This includes all diseases and conditions, not only those related to your oral health. We also need to know the prescription and non-prescription drugs you take regularly and lifestyle habits that could affect your dental health. This is to ensure that we provide you with the best possible service. Our entire team looks forward to working with you and your family to achieve excellent oral health.