Tooth decay and other dental health problems are very common in the U.S. According to a 2015 Center for Disease Control (CDC) report at least 95% of adults in the U.S. develop tooth decay by the time they turn 65. Tooth decay is also one of the major health problems in children.
The best way to prevent and enhance dental health is by scheduling regular visits and routine check-ups. Dr. Albert Chow, who is the leading Thousand Oaks dentist conducts a thorough general dentistry examination and advises on the most suitable options in terms of dental health. Regular dental check-ups are an important part of comprehensive preventive health care.
Routine check-ups
Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Chow ensure any problems are noticed early on and are prevented from becoming major concerns.
At the routine general check-up, the following can be expected:
Health history: At the first visit to Dr. Chow, you may be required to fill up a form to understand your health history. Knowing the past medical history, current health status, medications and allergies is crucial to decide upon the future course of treatment or preventive advice to be given. Understanding the overall health picture also gives Dr. Chow the complete background so that he can tailor the dental treatment accordingly.
Dental exam: At the routine check-up, the highly skilled hygienists will examine the mouth and the teeth. Every tooth will be examined along with the gums, tongue and lips to know if they are in the best of condition or if something needs further examination. The findings are recorded in the dental software. The recording also forms a baseline for the dentist to compare the progress at the subsequent visits.
X-Rays: X-rays of the teeth could be taken using a digital x-ray machine. This will help Dr. Chow view the interiors of the gums and teeth to assess if there are any latent bone loss, weakening or tooth decay. Dr. Chow will determine if further x-rays are needed at subsequent visits.
Advice and treatment planning: After completing the routine check-up, Dr. Chow will advise on the treatment course if necessary based on the findings. Dr. Chow will discuss all the available options of treatment and also the risks and benefits of each of the option along with the costs involved upfront. An in-depth discussion with Dr. Chow will enable you to understand fully how the treatment will be beneficial and any other concerns that you may have with respect to the dental health.
Your future Thousand Oaks Dentist, Dr. Chow will also discuss preventive dental healthcare with a comprehensive advice on oral hygiene. He will provide expert advice on maintaining oral hygiene with flossing, brushing and other important dos and donts that impact dental health. Dr. Chow will also discuss how alcohol, smoking and other food or lifestyle choices affect dental health. This is also an opportunity for you to clarify any misconceptions about dental care.
