At Smiles by Holsinger and Higgins, we are committed to preventative dental care, which is why we recommend a checkup every six months. Most dental problems start small then go through a rapid growth phase. Regular checkups enable us to catch the following problems before they become serious conditions:
Plaque, which is a sticky film of food particles and bacteria, forms constantly on your teeth and can harden into tartar in as few as 24 hours. Even with proper brushing and flossing, most people aren’t able to remove all of the plaque, eventually resulting in tartar buildup. Here are other examples of problems that are easily treated when you visit your dentist every six months:
To keep these dental problems from becoming serious, we recommend twice yearly checkups. Regular cleanings enable us to keep tartar from accumulating on your teeth. During your regular visits, we will also perform a thorough exam to check your gums, measure the bone levels around your teeth, look for cavities, check your restorations, and examine your bite.
Regular exams are the best way to eliminate the growth phase of dental problems and minimize the time and money you spend in the dental chair.
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Your solution, however, isn’t to find the cheapest options possible. It’s to find a dentist who cares not just about one procedure that brings you into the office, but your overall health. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or several, implants just might be the prosthetic option that you’re looking for. Ideal candidates will have sufficient jaw bone mass, healthy gums, and good overall health.
Screening Patients
When our patients update their medical histories, we have been actively screening them to learn about any history of travel or signs of infection like cough, fever or shortness of breath.
Taking Temperatures
Before performing any dental procedures, we have been taking everyone’s temperature. This is our new routine protocol during assessment of all patients.
Washing Hands
All patients and team members are required to perform proper hand hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly.
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
At our office, we have a strict policy to only practice dentistry when the right protective equipment is in place. We always wear surgical masks and eye protection. Masks are changed between patients. Rest assured, we are fully stocked in dental supplies.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Throughout the day, we are rigorously cleaning all public areas in our office, including the reception area, bathroom, and operatories. This intensive cleaning includes everything from door handles to chairs.
Proper Social Distancing
You can rest assured that we are practicing proper social distancing in our office. We are actively working to make sure that patients are 6 feet or more away from others. We are encouraging patients to come in at their exact appointment time so that no one is waiting in our office.
