Did you know that in a few days, 2020 will be ending, which means time is running out to use your dental insurance benefits before they expire at the close of December? In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist explains the importance of scheduling routine six-month checkups and cleanings, and why you should make one soon!
Your Last Checkup
What happens during your final checkup of the year? With digital x-rays and intraoral camera, we will gather a series of images of your smile, each detailed and available instantly chairside. We then walk you through the diagnostic process as we look for possible areas of concern. The earlier we identify a problem, the sooner can administer treatment to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile, helping you start 2021 with a stronger smile.
We tend to look for issues like cavities or infections, as well as periodontal concerns, such as gingivitis and gum disease. Signs of wear and friction on your teeth could indicate TMJ disorder and bruxism, and we also screen for oral cancer. For our younger patients, we make sure the baby teeth are falling out on schedule, and that the permanent teeth are erupting properly. We also screen adults once a year for oral cancer.
Using Those Benefits
If you have dental insurance, then your benefits will expire at the end of December unless used, and then you could find yourself in a waiting period for your new benefits to become available to use. In addition, if you happen to have a health savings account, then your funds could expire at the end of December also, and again you could be forced to wait until new funds become available to seek treatment. Using what you have now means we start the process of improving your smile!
Cleaning Your Teeth
Don’t forget, as part of your visit we clean your teeth. Kids and adults alike benefit from a dental cleaning, as this carefully removes all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease, as well as bad breath and discoloration.
Happy Holiday Smiles
To keep your smile safe over the holidays, be sure you and your family brush and floss regularly, drink plenty of water, and cut back on sugary foods and drinks. If you have any questions about maintaining good oral hygiene, or about our checkup and cleanings, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?
We want to make sure you start 2021 with a stunning, beautiful smile. To learn more about keeping your smile healthy and whole with preventive care, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
