When Should I See the Dentist for a Teeth Cleaning?

It’s important to see your dentist in Peoria, IL, periodically for teeth cleaning. Failure to see the dentist when the time comes can lead to dental problems like plaque and tartar buildup, bad breath, gingivitis, and more. Knowing when to go to the dentist can help you take care of your teeth. 

When to See a Dentist for Preventative Care

Many dentists recommend that their patients come for preventative care every six months. Many dental insurance companies also pay for insureds to see the dentist for teeth cleaning every six months. Unless your dentist has told you to do otherwise, plan to see your dentist every six months. This will help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth and can help reduce the chances of gum disease.

What to Expect During Your Teeth Cleaning

During your teeth cleaning, the dental professional may take X-rays of your teeth. They will remove plaque and tartar from your tooth enamel. They’ll also check your teeth for signs of a dental problem, like cavities, and if they find an issue, they’ll talk to you about the next steps. Before you go, they’ll polish your tooth enamel. 

Signs of a Dental Problem and What to Do

If you’re having a dental problem, you may need to see the dentist before it’s time for your six-month check-up. Contact your dentist if you have sudden tooth pain or tooth sensitivity. 

How to Know When It’s An Emergency

If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, this is a dental emergency. You could have an infected tooth. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other parts of your body. Your dentist should examine the tooth as quickly as possible to decide whether you need a procedure like a root canal. 

Contact Valerin Dental Today

The professionals at Valerin Dental are here to help. Whether you need a dental checkup in Peoria, IL, or you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we can provide you with excellent dental care. Patients come to us because of our professionalism and our outstanding patient care. Call today to make your next dental appointment. 

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?

Are you excited about getting dental implants in Peoria, IL? You are probably a bit anxious about the process too…right? Well, let’s fix that right now. We are going to go over what happens during dental implant surgery. That should help ease some of that anxiety for you.

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?

Here is what to expect when getting dental implants. Your dentist in Peoria, IL, will go over all of this in more detail. But for now, here are the basics.

The whole process will take many months to complete and will be done in stages.

Removal of Damaged Teeth

The dentist will remove your damaged teeth. This will begin the dental implant process.

Jawbone Grafting (if needed)

Not everyone will need jawbone grafting. This is only for people whose jawbone is too soft or if it’s not thick enough. If either of these two issues is present, you will need some bone grafting.

A bone graft creates a more stable base for your new implant. The bone used for grafting can be a bone from another part of your body. It might also be a bone substitute.

Placement of the Implant

Your dentist will make a small incision to open up your gum and expose your jawbone. They will then drill a small hole into your jawbone in the location where your new dental implant post/screw will be placed. That post/screw will act like a tooth root. That’s why it’s implanted pretty deep into your jawbone. You will be given a temporary denture to fill the gap (if needed).

Bone Growth and Healing Time

Once your implant post/screw is placed into your jawbone, the waiting begins. During this time, your jaw will grow new bone around the implant. This usually takes several months. But it will provide a stable foundation for your new artificial tooth. It will be just as stable as a natural tooth once completed.

Attach the Abutment

After your jaw has healed, new bone has grown around your implant, and you have a solid base for your new artificial tooth, it’s time to add the abutment. The abutment is the piece that is placed on your implant to hold your new artificial tooth in place.

Artificial Tooth Placement

Your dentist will then add your artificial tooth to the abutment, and your new dental implant will be complete.

Looking for an Exceptional Dentist in Peoria, IL?

Your dentist will be there for you during every step of the dental implant process. But if you have some questions or concerns or would just like a little more information first, please Contact Valerin Dental. We would be happy to help!