Cleans and Examinations
Many people wonder if making it to their biannual dental appointment is really necessary.
The short answer is – yes!
Good preventive care helps reduce your risk for certain illnesses and can help you achieve and maintain the level of excellent oral health that helps you look and feel your best.
Providing Your Medical History
Your biannual visit is a great opportunity to tell your dentist about any issues or discomfort you’ve been experiencing in your mouth. You’ll also want to give a detailed description of your medical history and come prepared with a list of any medications you take.
Knowing your medical history allows your dentist to gain a better understanding of your overall health. After all, there is a strong systemic link between the health of your mouth and the prevalence of many serious health concerns.
For example, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is associated with heart disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and low birth weight in babies born to mothers with the disease.
Examinations
Warning signs of some dental conditions may be so subtle that only a dentist can identify them.
During your visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and check for signs of tooth decay. You’ll also be evaluated for risk factors associated with illnesses like bone loss and periodontal disease. This way, potential problems can be identified in their early stages while they are easily treatable.
Your dentist will also check your bite and may administer x-rays or recommend other diagnostic measures.
Clean and Polish
During your visit, your teeth will be gently and professionally cleaned. Your dental team will meticulously remove hard-to-reach plaque. At this time, patients may be given tips on how to improve their at-home care routine, and the hygienist can demonstrate proper procedures for brushing and flossing.
A thorough clean not only helps improve the health of your teeth but also makes them look great! A good clean and polish can actually have a whitening effect on your smile. Your clean will leave you looking and feeling great.
Arrange an Appointment Today!
Are you due for your bi-annual visit? Contact our practice to arrange an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
X-rays are one of a dentist's most important diagnostic tools. Often, problems start inside your teeth or beneath the gumline. By the time the problem is visible to the naked eye, it can be painful and more difficult to treat. Using x-rays taken on a regular basis, we can catch problems early and treat them quickly and comfortably.
Even with excellent hygiene habits, it's easy to miss small areas of your teeth. Over time, the missed plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with a dental hygienist's tools. When tartar accumulates beneath the gumline, the end result is red, puffy, inflamed gums — the beginnings of periodontal disease.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Georgina Patsiouras
Georgina is a general dentist who graduated with honours from the University of Melbourne. After working in Community Dental Health as part of her internship year, she has been working in private practice for most of her career. In 2008 she bought this existing practice in Brighton and has enjoyed bringing her gentle style of dentistry to the area. She is a caring and gentle dentist who is committed to providing a high standard of care to all patients.
Outside of dentistry she enjoys travelling and spending time with her family and friends.