Periodic dental check-up
If you want clean and healthy teeth, you will have to do more than just brush. If you really want toensure proper oral hygiene and functionality, you will regularly visit us for a dental check-up.
The periodic dental check-up: a short introduction.
During the periodic dental check-up your teeth are examined thoroughly. Our dentists do this as stated in the code of practice- periodic check-up, as presented by the UMC St. Radboud Nijmegen. It is very important to have a regular dental check-up as this will allow us to keep your teeth clean, healthy and clean.
Has it been a while since you last had your periodic dental check-up? Then we’d advise you to make a new appointment. You can do this by filling out the appointment form on the website.
What do we do at a periodic dental check-up?
When you visit our dental practice for a periodic dental check-up we have a close and thorough look at the current state of your teeth. Our dentist will not only look at how healthy your teeth are, but will also check how well your fillings still fit, how big the space is between your teeth and your gums and what possible risks you have at an oral disease. This could, for instance be, dental decay or periodontal diseases.
If you are in need of any additional care then together with you will be draft a treatment plan. This can be either for the long- or short term. In addition we will also make an appointment with you for your next check-up. The interval of your periodic dental check-ups can vary. Most commonly, people have their check-ups once every six or twelve months. However, in certain cases we advise our patients to have their check-ups more frequent. Your dentist will inform you on what interval suits your situation best.
The Dutch Periodontal Screening Index
During your periodic dental check-up the dentist will map six areas of your teeth. Both top and bottom: molars left, teeth in the middle and the molars right. Mapping these areas is done by means of the so called Dutch Periodontal screening index, also known as DPSI.
According to the DPSI your gums will be given a score between the zero and four. Based on this score you will be placed in a certain category of treatment. This could be A, but also B or C. Your category of treatment will be noted in your patient record. If you are in need of treatment then a treatment plan will be drafted in adherence to the protocol of the Dutch department of Periodontology. This plan will be in line with your category of treatment.
The risk of tooth decay
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is unfortunately a common occurrence. During the periodic dental check-up the dentist will determine how high the risk of tooth decay is. Based on this risk, you will be given advice on how to further avoid any tooth decay. Is your risk of tooth decay high? Then you will be given a fairly strict advice on how to prevent tooth decay. Is there only a small risk? Then the advice will, obviously, be different. This means that every patient will be given an unique treatment plan and coinciding advice.
We distinguish the following categories of risk when examining your teeth on possible tooth decay:
- A high risk. Fortunately, this is fairly rare occurrence. However, people who have autoimmune-disease or people who use certain medication, can possibly have a higher risk of having dental caries. This is why they are placed within this category.
- A heightened risk. Has there been an increase of known lesion, also known as deterioration of the enamel, in the past 12 months? Then you are placed within this category. This is also the case when a new lesion has been discovered in the past 12 months.
- A lowered risk. You are placed within this category if there haven’t been any new lesions for the past two years.
- A low risk. You are placed within this category if there have never been any issues with lesions and/or crowns, fillings or extractions (without injury).
Based on the category you are placed in, we will give you advice on how to prevent tooth decay. We will also use this category to determine the frequency of your regular check-ups. Are you placed in the highest risk category? Then you will have to visit us more frequent than someone in the lowest category.