The American Dental Association recommends that patients attend “regular dental visits at intervals determined by a dentist” to maintain optimal oral health. The majority of dentists recommend twice-a-year visits to the dentist for cleanings and examinations. Regular dental visits allow your Denver dentist to prevent dental problems or to treat them at an early stage. Patients who recently underwent restorative treatments can benefit from more frequent checkups while otherwise healthy individuals can visit twice a year. 

During your routine cleaning and examination, your Denver dentist at Metro Dental Care in Denver, CO can ensure that you maintain optimal oral health through preventative treatments and cleanings.

Your Denver Dentist Responds: Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important?

Your Denver dentist believes that prevention is always preferable to treatment. When treatment is needed, early intervention can prevent the need for invasive procedures. Here are two common examples.

Tooth Decay

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems we address at our Denver office. Tooth decay results from the interaction of bacteria, plaque, tartar, and food particles. As microbes break down sugars that are found in your saliva, they release acids that slowly eat away at the enamel. Over time, this process of demineralization can create small holes that then provide a home for more bacteria. The presence of plaque and tartar effectively gives bacteria an environment to thrive in. 

As damaging as cavities are, they are also easily preventable. Regular dental cleanings remove hardened deposits of plaque. Brushing alone cannot remove tartar. Only a skilled dentist or hygienist can remove the deposits. If one of our team members discovers a small cavity, it can be treated with no discomfort and only a minimal loss of natural tooth structure.

When patients forgo regular visits to their dentist, decay can spread and eventually reach the sensitive inner pulp of a tooth. This is known as a root canal infection. The dental problem can be very painful. At this point, only root canal therapy can save a tooth that has reached that level of infection. If an infection advances too far, a tooth extraction will be required to restore oral health. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease remains a leading cause of tooth loss in this country. Twice-a-year dental cleanings are an effective treatment for preventing gum disease or reversing the early stages of gum disease. During your regular examination, a member of our dental team can determine if you require periodontal care. If dental cleanings are not enough to address your gum disease, non-surgical deep cleanings can restore beauty and health to your smile. 

Without regular cleanings, gum disease will continue to spread, placing the health of your teeth and gums at risk. Advanced gum disease causes gum tissue recession and, eventually, tooth loss. 

Special Acceptions

Your Denver dentist will schedule visits to our office based on your oral health needs. Certain individuals may require checkups and cleanings more than twice a year. These acceptions may include:

  • Pregnant women
  • Tobacco users
  • Individuals with dry mouth
  • Patients with advanced gum disease
  • Patients with certain medical conditions

If you have heart disease, research has shown a link between dental health and heart health. Patients who believe they have risk factors for dental problems or oral-systemic health issues should let a member of our team know. We will be glad to schedule additional visits.

Don’t Wait. Schedule Your Next Visit With Your Denver Dentist Today

Whether your last visit was six months ago or several years ago, it is never too late to begin restoring oral health through a visit to our Denver office. To schedule your next visit, please contact our office online or call (303) 534-2626.