FAQ: All About Preventative Dentistry

Preventative Dentistry Arlington Heights Dr. Engelberg is your local Arlington Heights dentist. Preventative dentistry is perhaps one of the most important aspects of our job as your dental care provider. These services allow us to help our patients improve and maintain their best dental health and keep them smiling for a lifetime. Many patients have questions about what is included with preventative dental care services. Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding preventative dentistry:

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

Patients should see their dentist for dental cleanings once every six months. These appointments are important to maintaining your dental health because they allow our team to keep a close eye on your dental structures and address minor issues as soon as possible. While it may be tempting to skip out on your routine dental cleanings, it’s important to know that these cleanings are essential to all patients, even those who practice good oral hygiene at home. Dental concerns often do not present with noticeable symptoms and will need to be diagnosed by a professional dentist.

Why do they scrape my teeth during dental cleanings?

Our hygienists are responsible for removing any plaque or tartar buildup that is on your teeth or surrounding your gum line. This buildup can cause major issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss the longer it is left alone on your smile. Buildup occurs because food residues are left behind on our smiles after each meal. If these residues are not removed in a timely manner, they will harden into plaque or tartar. Plaque and tartar are very difficult to remove by brushing or flossing, meaning a dental professional is necessary to protect your smile from this buildup. As we remove the plaque and tartar buildup, you may notice that we need to scrape it off of your teeth or out of the difficult spaces between your teeth to fully clean your teeth.

Why do they take X-rays at the dentist?

X-rays are taken to give our dentist a look into what is going on beneath the surface of your smile. It’s important to check your x-rays for any concerns affecting your tooth roots. Often, if you have teeth that are still growing in or wisdom teeth that haven’t yet erupted, it’s important that your dentist knows where your smile is in terms of development to offer you an effective treatment plan. X-rays allow your dentist to look for signs of dental health concerns that may be invisible with a visual examination alone.

Is preventative dentistry affordable?

Many patients have dental insurance benefits that cover all or most of their biannual dental cleanings. Our office is committed to helping you afford the dental care that you deserve. We accept most dental insurance as a non-participating provider. If you are in need of additional information on financing your dental care, contact our office directly for more information.