General and preventive care

It is important to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.

Some patients may require 3 month checkups if they have or are at risk for gum disease. X-rays or radiographs are also needed to diagnose cavities, bone levels and other conditions you may not be aware of.

Regular checkups are especially important for patients with diabetes and heart disease as high levels of oral bacteria can have an impact on those conditions.

Pregnant mothers who are diagnosed as having periodontal disease may have a higher risk of delivering premature and low birth weight infants.