Frequency of Exams

[docwatson]

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I'm no dentist so I don't know the answer to this. Don't worry, this is not bait. I'm an optometrist.

What is the frequency for a normal, healthy individual such as myself to see a dentist? I have very healthy, strong teeth that don't seem to collect much plaque. Every cleaning gets this remark: "Your teeth are so clean!" Then a couple of scrapes later I'm done.

I've had several dentists in the past (moved a lot) and I don't recall them telling me when to return.

Is there a consensus amongst dentists? We optometrists certainly don't have one.

 

[StarGirl]

i'll tell you if you give me a free eye exam 😉

 

[docwatson]

If you are willing to come all the way out to Georgia, then by all means I will give you a free eye exam. But we have to trade services. Do you do teeth whitening? 😉

 

[StarGirl]

Sure but give me 3 more years 🙂

Georgia's only a few hour drive away 🙂

hmm... how often does your insurance cover for dental cleaning?
mine's only every 6th months (boo...and still have to co-pay the dentist i go to...by choice other dentist would be free) but if my insurance covered more I would go as often as possible...(and if you decide not to go at all...and you end up needing dentures...feel free to PM me anytime after May '06 😛 i'll give you a good deal i promise 🙂)

clean teeth=clean breath=no cavity=no pain
hehe so you decide how often you need to go 🙂

if you don't have insurance... i would go at least 2X a yr 🙂 (i'm also guessing that 100 bucks isn't much for an eye dr) My cousin's at Cal (UC Berkeley) Opt school... I wonder if she went the better path or I did... 😉

 

[Frank Cavitation]

I would think that your moving a lot might be a reason why you didn't hear from the dentist regarding check-ups--they couldn't reach you! There may not be a consensus, but the general rule is to know the patient first before deciding on a recall schedule. Even if your teeth were healthy they should still get you back in 9-12 months just to take a look. If you were really conscientious about cleaning that may stretch to 2 or 3 years, but you should still visit once in a while because there are age-related things like brushing too hard causing abrasion/gum recession, and periodontal disease. Also, the dentist is the most knowledgeable when it comes to looking for abnormal pathology in the mouth regular folks don't notice (or can't see in the mirror).

So, keep up the good work, but don't abandon us completely! 😉

 

[docwatson]

Anyone think there's a concensus? I've heard every 6 months but is this driven by insurance (cleanings--two per year?)? The ADA does not mention anything on their website.

RRRRR--I hate this computer! (I kind of like the smile so I thought I'd throw this one in--I love my computer 😍 )