After a 5 year hiatus from the dentist, I had an exam and cleaning. Everything looked pretty good she said -- just one filling needed to be re-done, and one area will be watched. I take really good care of my teeth so I wasn't surprised. Now it's been almost a year and I wonder if I need to get the exam and cleaning again. I realize the norm is 6 mos. or a year, but is it crazy to do it every 2 years if I am vigilant about my oral care? Money is the main issue...but I also dislike dental visits...
2006-11-07 06:01:00 · 10 answers · asked by melanie 3 in Health ➔ Dental
No matter how vigilant you may be regarding your oral hygiene, the recommended check up and scaling is minimum of once a year. Dental professionals actually recommend it to be every 2-3 months to maintain a good oral hygiene, but the results are not as obvious to see to the eye as it would if you did it once a year. Plus, only a dental hygienist can help you clean below the gum line, and places where you can't floss.
If you're worried about money, does your dentist have dental plans for you to sign up to? They can sometimes save you money.
Everyone avoids the dentist like the plague at the first opportunity. I dislike the dentist and avoided going for about 5 years too (my dentist was a moron and extremely rough handed) until my wisdom teeth came through and cause me pain. I finally went back and thank god the guy has retired and sold his practice to a lady who is far more gentle and considerate!
2006-11-07 07:21:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see why it should be a problem. Look after your teeth and be sure to floss daily (especially the one area). Between the teeth are where a lot of cavities start and flossing helps prevent this.
Dentist cost a lot of money these days and understand where you are coming from (both issues). If you begin having problems after a two year span you should consider having it every year then.
2006-11-07 14:25:26 · answer #2 · answered by trojan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its still recommended to go every 6 months. They can find plaque and tarter build up that your could not get with flossing and brushing. Also, they can spot problems before the become major issues. I know is easier said the done with the price of an office visit. But if you can swing it or have a good insurace you should go at least once a year.
2006-11-07 14:10:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work ina dental office and in our office our pateints have exams every 6 months along with there cleaning. Some pateints need to come in every 2,3, or 4 months for cleaning. It all depends on if they have gum disease. Most people don't even realize they have it. Another thing to remember is a cavity doesn't hurt normally until it is pretty deep. A deep cavity means more chair time and usually alot more $$$. So I would say its much better to have frequent cleaning and exams to catch things early.
2006-11-07 14:28:40 · answer #4 · answered by morethanblessedwithfour 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your dentist said something beeing watched i would say go after 6 month but at least after 1 year i think if you wait longer you get a cavity or something and have to pay more then just for a check up.
2006-11-08 19:48:13 · answer #5 · answered by Sunshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
REC is 6 months up to a year, its important to go and get ure teeth checked, and to make sure u are brushing ure teeth aswell as u think u are, also the dentist will check ure soft tissue's, ( for early signs of mouth cancer etc) even if u are young and healthy theirs still a chance, ( not to scare you) so its important to keep these regular visits up
2006-11-07 14:12:52 · answer #6 · answered by theresa d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is best to go every 6mo to 1yr but if money is the issue then just go every year. 2yrs is along time, you may need something by now. Lots of people put off the dentist than the MD but taking care of your mouth is very important too.
2006-11-07 15:15:39 · answer #7 · answered by justmmez 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd go in 6 months to have the one thing they are watching looked at, just to make sure. Then you can try it out once a year - your call. But remember as you get older more probs w/ teeth occur.
If it is bad next go round then well you'll have your answer.
2006-11-07 14:04:53 · answer #8 · answered by DrVodka 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would still get the checkup at least once a year, just to be on the safe side, if you wait two years next thing you know is youll be going into the dentist office and them saying root canal root canal this is what you need done, and then that when it becomes very costly
2006-11-12 09:59:12 · answer #9 · answered by bshelby2121 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do it for your own sake. Many people are afraid of dentists, and thats fine, but when it starts interfering with your well being, then it becomes an issue. Not to say that this is your situation, but I wouldn't take any chances.
2006-11-07 14:03:46 · answer #10 · answered by j l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋