Dental Checkups

What a typical checkup includes

1. Medical history review — new medications, health changes, dental concerns.
2. Extra-oral exam — jaw, lymph nodes, temporomandibular joint.
3. Intra-oral exam — soft tissues, tongue, cheeks, tonsillar area.
4. Periodontal probing — measurement of gum pockets around each tooth.
5. Dental exam — cavities, existing restorations, wear patterns.
6. X-rays — as needed based on risk and time since last images.
7. Cleaning — removal of plaque and tartar, polishing, sometimes fluoride application.
8. Discussion — findings, recommendations, next visit interval.

How often to go

For most adults with healthy gums and few cavities, every 6 months. Higher-risk patients — active periodontitis, high cavity risk, orthodontic treatment, certain medical conditions — often benefit from 3- or 4-month intervals.

20 pre-visit checklists

1. Standard cleaning: medication list, insurance card, questions.
2. New patient: prior records, X-rays, medication list, insurance.
3. Second opinion: current treatment plan, X-rays, list of concerns.
4. Pregnancy: due date, prenatal care provider, any morning sickness impact.
5. Post-perio treatment: home-care log, symptoms, any bleeding sites.
6. Child (first visit): feeding history, thumb/pacifier habits, brushing routine.
7. Teenager with braces: ortho appointment history, hygiene struggles.
8. Anxious patient: list of triggers, sedation preference, comfort accommodations.
9. Cardiac patient: cardiologist letter if indicated, list of blood thinners.
10. Diabetic patient: recent A1C, current medications, last meal time.
11. Smoker considering quitting: ask about counseling resources.
12. Sports-injury visit: photos of injury, exact time of incident.
13. New sensitivity: what triggers it, duration, patterns.
14. Bleeding gums: when it started, brushing/flossing routine.
15. Recurring bad breath: diet log for 3 days, medications.
16. Consultation for implants: medical history, bone density if known.
17. Cosmetic consultation: photos of your smile, specific goals.
18. Retainer check: current retainer, wearing pattern.
19. Emergency (broken tooth): photo, time it happened, pain scale.
20. Emergency (pain): pain diary (triggers, duration, level), medication history.

Questions worth asking at every visit

• "What are my deepest pocket depths, and have they changed?"
• "Any recession or new sensitivity you noticed?"
• "Anything specific I should focus on in my home care?"
• "When should I be back — and what would make you want to see me sooner?"