Preventative Dental Visits - Why Is It Important?

Preventive dentistry refers to the care provided to stop any dental problems from happening in the first place. At Stonewall Dental Associates, the dental care you get here at our dental team goes well beyond simply taking care of your teeth. We also work to stop issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss from happening in the first place. We want you to have a smile that’s healthy and beautiful for life.

Preventive Dentistry Visits

Every six months, you should receive a preventive dentistry exam at your dentist’s office. During your appointment, your dentist will clean your teeth and check for signs of decay or gum disease. You’ll also be screened for oral cancer and have a chance to ask questions or bring up any concerns you may have.

Dental Exams

A dental exam is a preventative service. During your dental exams, we examine your mouth for signs of decay, disease, and other abnormalities. We also examine your jaw, gums, and bite. We want to make sure that everything looks healthy.

During your dental exam, your dentist will:

• Examine your teeth for signs of decay, damage, and disease.
• Examine your mouth, jaw, and neck for signs of infection, abnormalities, and oral cancer.
• Take X-rays of your teeth to help detect damage and disease.

Dental Cleanings

During a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will use special instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, especially along and below the gum line. Your dental hygienist will also polish your teeth to remove stains and brighten your smile.

How Often Do I Need to Visit the Dentist?

You should visit the dentist at least twice a year. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup, it’s time to schedule an appointment.

What Happens When I Skip My Preventive Dental Exam?

Skipping your preventive dental exam can lead to a variety of oral health issues.

• If you don’t take care of your teeth, it can lead to oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss.
• The bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease can also spread to your bloodstream, affecting your overall health.
• If you skip dental exams, it prevents the chances of diagnosing your dental issues in their initial stages when they are easy to treat. Leaving dental problems untreated can worsen the condition, and you may need expensive dental treatments in the future. 

Visiting your dentist every six months is an important aspect of maintaining good oral health. If it’s been a while since your last visit, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.

The dental practice is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental treatments for the patients. Get in touch with the dentists at Stonewall Dental by calling (703) 368-1000 or visiting the office at 8719 Stonewall Road, Manassas, VA 20110.