We get asked this question a lot- and the short answer is, it depends!
There are many factors that influence how often your dentist or hygienist recommends a visit, and every patient is different. That being said, there are some general guidelines that all patients can follow to keep on top of your oral health.
How often are you supposed to have a dental examination?
It is recommended that you have a dental examination once per year. For this reason it is often referred to as your annual checkup, and can be free of charge for some patients depending on PRSI eligibility.
While we generally recommend an examination once every 12 months, your dentist might recommend more frequent checkups, e.g. every 6 months instead, if there is a clinical reason for doing so, such as:
- An ongoing dental issue that warrants more frequent monitoring.
- A medical condition or medication that can affect the health of your teeth & mouth.
- Very early decay or discolouration that may require treatment in future.
- The recent completion of advanced restorative dental work that may require regular review.
- Monitoring long-term dental conditions, such as periodontal disease.
Should I still have my annual dental exam even if I have no dental pain or issues?
Absolutely yes! The purpose of your annual dental exam is not just to assess and diagnose ongoing dental issues, but also to spot potential issues before they cause any problems in the future.
Your dental examination offers the opportunity for your dentist to look for early signs of decay, provide any preventative treatments needed, and discuss treatment options that you may need in future, giving you a chance to get ahead of pain and solve issues before they start!
How often should I have a dental cleaning done?
The frequency of your recommended cleanings will vary based on your individual gum health, but generally speaking it is recommended to have a scale and polish every 6 months.
For the treatment of gum issues such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, your hygienist may recommend a shorter recall period, such as every 3 or 4 months- or might recommend several sessions every few months rather than just one appointment.
Again this is dependent on each individual’s needs, so while the minimum is every 6 months, it is best to check with your dentist or dental hygienist at your next appointment to see how often the recommend for you.
Can I attend for my regular dental cleanings with no exam?
As hygienists work under prescription of the dentist, you need to have a dental examination every 12 months in order to continue availing of your dental cleanings.
Dental hygienists are not allowed to diagnose or treat any dental issues related to the teeth, only the gums, so they cannot assess the teeth during a cleaning- this is only available with the dentist. Therefore, those who have not seen the dentist within the last 12 months will always require a dental examination in advance of their next scale and polish appointment.
As most people require a dental examination once per year (every 12 months), and a dental cleaning at least twice per year (every 3/4/6 months, depending on gum health), it is usually possible to organise your annual dental exam with one of these cleaning appointments, so that you can attend both together on the same day.
What do I do if it has been several years since my last dental exam?
First of all, do not be embarrassed! It does not matter to us whether it has been a year or ten years since your last dental exam, or if you have never had a checkup at all- regardless of how long it has been, the first step is to book a full dental examination appointment so that we can get you back on track with regular visits and formulate a treatment plan that suits you best.
Need to book your dental examination? Contact us today on 091 757 678 or email info@renmoredental.ie and our patient care team will be happy to help!