Semi-annual dental appointments are the cornerstones of any well-crafted oral hygiene plan. These indispensable meetings allow our Santa Monica dentists to improve your smile and set you up for success with your at-home oral hygiene routine. Here are a few of the reasons that semi-annual appointments are so important…
Clean Thoroughly
This is perhaps the most readily apparent goal of the semi-annual appointment: our team is here to clean and refresh your smile. Training and technology allow us to clean even those hard-to-reach spots that are hidden from view. You do your best to keep your smile clean and healthy day in and day out, and we’re here to give your routine a boost twice a year.
Remove Tartar
Did you know that when plaque sits on teeth for an extended period of time it actually hardens and calcifies to the enamel? It’s true! This substance is called tartar (or calculus) and it’s very difficult for you to remove at home on your own. The good news is that our dental team will clear away accumulated tartar at your semi-annual cleaning—giving you a clean slate again.
Screen for Oral Cancers
When you come in for a semi-annual appointment, our dental team will complete an oral cancer screening—every time. We take this opportunity to look for signs of pre-cancerous and cancerous tissues. Many symptoms like redness, small sores, irregular tissue textures, and discoloration are especially difficult for patients to notice on their own.
Assess Treatment Goals
As your dental team, we are here to help you reach both short and long-term dental goals. Whether you’re focusing on staying cavity-free, or you’re looking to achieve a total smile transformation, our team will ensure that you’re staying on track by assessing your progress every six months. Of course, if you’re in the middle of treatment we may see you more frequently, but six-month appointments are a great place to start.
Even if it has been years since you have undergone a dental cleaning, our Santa Monica dentists are here to help restore your smile to health. Give our team a call or use the Contact Us page on our site to submit a question!