Every person should have a dental check up examination every six months. Dental decay can easily eat its way from the outside of a tooth to the nerve inside the tooth in just a year. Failing to have a regular cleaning and examination can have disastrous results. Both the dentist and the dental hygienist perform examinations for all patients during their dental cleaning visits. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that oral cancer has such a low death rate in the United States.

          It's called a dental check up because in most states a dentist is required to check the patient after a dental hygienist has complete the cleaning. Staff often call out to the doctor, " could you please check (the patient's name )? ". So the name has evolved from this custom. During the examination the dentist studies the bite-wing x-rays to be sure that there is no hidden dental decay between the teeth. All the surfaces of the teeth, along with the patient's gums, are checked. The surfaces of the oral tissues are also examined for normal color and shape.

          Most dental insurance companies know that regular dental check ups can save them a lot of money so insurance companies often pay 100% for this important dental service. Regardless of whether you have dental insurance or not, the dental check up is an important procedure that you should have done regularly.

          If it's been a while and you would like to schedule an appointment for a cleaning and dental check up, call 404-874-7428  and ask to make a hygiene appointment.