Regular Dental Checkups in Fair Oaks, CA

Regular Dental Checkup

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. It’s a critical part of your oral health and something we recommend to all of our patrons. Dental checkups should be completed every six months to maintain proper, optimal health.

As leading dental hygienists, we believe in the power of teeth cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride to prevent dental disease. Our focus is on thorough dental care exams to check your teeth, gums, and overall health. At Orcutt Family Dentistry, we are equally concerned about your smile as we are about your well-being.

  • You can expect a typical new patient hygiene and cleaning appointment to go as follows:
  • Our front staff will welcome you with typical information gathering and answer any dental care questions you may have.
  • Next, your dental hygienist will greet you in the waiting room.
  • If dental X-rays or photos are required, they will be taken to understand the overall health of your mouth and accurately diagnose any dental issue.
  • Then your dental hygienist will perform a teeth cleaning, polish, floss, and fluoride.
  • Next, we will take a periodontal chart to write and record gingival and overall oral conditions relating to oral and periodontal (gum) health.
  • Meet the doctor for an exam and discuss any areas of concern you may have or we may want to address.
  • If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry! With our patient loyalty program, you can access the dental care you need with an affordable annual payment. Enjoy preventive care all year round and discounts on other treatments – no exclusions, yearly maximums, deductibles, or waiting periods. You can also use Cherry, our third-party payment provider, to pay with low-cost monthly installments and avoid upfront costs. Join today – it’s simple and affordable!
  • During your appointment with the doctor, please feel free to openly inquire about any dental concerns you may have.
  • Schedule any needed treatment or set up your next cleaning appointment.

Expect this first appointment to take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours so that we don’t rush you through or provide too much information too quickly for you.

Dental teeth cleaning

Why are dental checkups important?

Many oral health concerns can only be detected through a thorough examination by a trained dentist. Dental checkups provide oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays to check for hidden issues and professional cleanings to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other buildups that daily brushing and flossing won’t effectively eliminate.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so early intervention is essential. Once gum disease has taken its toll on the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored but only managed or replaced. The dental hygienist will use a small ruler to gently measure the gum “pocket” around each of your teeth, making note of areas that you can’t clean with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are used in conjunction with these measurements to identify areas of bone recession.

What are the signs of oral cancer?

Mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as the salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, and sinuses. Because early detection is critical to overcoming the disease, make an appointment with your doctor if any of the following occur:

  • Sore, swelling, lumps or thick patches in or around your mouth
  • The feeling of a lump or object in your throat
  • Numbness or pain anywhere in your mouth
  • Loose teeth with no dental cause
  • Lingering sore throat or hoarseness
  • Areas of red or white lesions in your mouth or lips
  • Trouble moving your jaw, swallowing or speaking
  • Pain in your ear without loss of hearing

Over half of those in the U.S. survive oral cancer after five years, according to the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research, but it is critical it is caught early.

Why are brushing and flossing important?

We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they physically disrupt the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen. There are a lot of products on the market that claim they are the best. Make sure to talk about the options with your hygienist to get the best recommendation.

And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes and floss once. If you have a hard time remembering to floss, connect it with a daily activity you always do. You can floss in the shower or while driving to work!

What are other preventative dental care strategies?

Besides having your teeth cleaned and stains polished off, our comfortable dental cleaning also provides other preventative services, such as:

Dental Sealants â€” Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.

Fluoride Treatment â€” Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children, but our adult patients can take advantage of the service for only $29.

Oral Cancer Screenings â€” This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screening could save your life. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.

Diagnostic X-rays â€” Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth so that we can treat them in the least invasive manner before they become worse.

Dr. Brian Orcutt, DDS near me

Dr. Brian Orcutt, DDS
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Dr. Brian Orcutt graduated from CSU, Sacramento, with a degree in Biological Science and Chemistry before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2004. As one of Sacramento’s most experienced laser dentists, he holds certifications in Invisalign, CEREC same-day-crowns, VIVOS sleep apnea therapy, and Oral Conscious Sedation. Having completed Master-level training in many of these areas and numerous hours of continuing education in others, Dr. Orcutt is a member of the ADA, CDA, Sacramento District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, VIVOS, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.