A patient recently asked me what dental procedure is the most beneficial to the patient. The patient knows that I perform many procedures from crowns, veneers, and implants to white fillings. Although every patient’s needs are different, I would say that dental cleanings and exam (good old-fashioned checkup!) is the most important.
Periodic cleanings help keep your gums healthy and prevent the development of periodontal disease. Health of your gums has been linked to many systemic diseases. Also, an oral cancer exam and screening can be done at the same time. This is extremely important as patients age. Plus, a dental exam can identify problems with the teeth (decay, fracture, etc.) that can be repaired. It is always easier to repair something when it is small than when the problem gets worse.
So, to answer the patients question, I would say that a dental cleaning and exam is the most important and beneficial procedure we perform at the office.
