Bring up the tooth that catches food, the spot your floss keeps snagging on, or the sensitivity you've been meaning to mention. Those little observations help us know where to look more closely. And if everything feels fine, it's still useful to check.
Questions that belong at a dental visit
Something doesn't have to be easy to name for it to be worth mentioning. A change in what you can comfortably eat or how your mouth feels is useful information.
Sensitivity to cold, heat, or brushing
Tell us which tooth or area bothers you, what brings it on, and how long the feeling lasts. Sensitivity can come from several things, including exposed roots, worn enamel, decay, or a damaged tooth or filling. Dr. Maiurano will examine the area before discussing what might help.
A mouth that keeps feeling dry
Ongoing dryness can make eating or speaking difficult and raise the risk of tooth decay. Medications and health conditions are among the possible causes. Bring a current medication list and tell us when the dryness started. We can talk about caring for your mouth and whether to check in with your doctor. Don't stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Food catching or discomfort when you chew
Point out the spot, even if it only bothers you now and then. Dr. Maiurano can check the tooth, nearby gums, existing dental work, and how your teeth meet. If your jaw also feels sore or stiff, mention that separately. Tooth discomfort and jaw pain can have different causes, and the examination helps guide the next step.
If you've noticed grinding or clenching, bring that up too. We can check for wear and talk about whether a nightguard would be useful.
What happens at a routine visit
We update your health history, examine your teeth and gums, and check existing dental work. Your visit may also include dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening, and a professional cleaning. What you need depends on your health, dental history, and how things look that day.
Who will clean my teeth?
Your cleaning is with a registered dental hygienist. Sandra takes time with the spots that need attention. Tell her if something is tender or you'd like a break. If a spot is hard to clean at home, she can show you ways to reach it. Get to know Sandra and the team.
Why an exam and X-rays may be part of a cleaning visit
Even when your teeth feel fine, we need to understand their health and the condition of your gums before deciding what care is appropriate. An exam helps us do that. X-rays can show areas we can't see by looking in your mouth.
The need for images depends on your history, previous images, and examination findings. If you've had X-rays at another office, let us know so we can ask for them. Dr. Maiurano will explain what information she needs and why.
Is a deep cleaning the same as a routine cleaning?
A routine cleaning and a deep cleaning serve different needs. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease below the gumline. Dr. Maiurano uses the gum examination and other findings to decide which care is appropriate. The length of time since your last visit doesn't decide that on its own.
If you've been told you need a deep cleaning, our explanation of gum treatment walks through what the measurements mean and how we plan follow-up.
What has changed since last time?
Seeing the same dentist is useful when a tooth has a history. Dr. Maiurano can compare an area with earlier findings and explain whether it has changed. If she recommends treatment, she'll tell you why. If she's keeping an eye on something, she'll explain what she's watching for.
Visits for children and families
We see children and adults at our Springfield office. Let us know who's due for a visit and we'll help with the scheduling. For a child getting used to dental appointments, a familiar team can make the next visit feel less new. Learn more about family dental care.
If it has been a long time
Tell us when you book. We may need more time to look things over, and your gums may need care beyond a routine cleaning. Dr. Maiurano will explain that after the exam. Here's more about coming back after time away.