Dental Exams
How Important is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is necessary to eliminate bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease, a more severe condition, if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.
Why Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily, and help you avoid further treatment in the future.
Are You Ready For Your Dental Exam?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, as we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities, and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.
What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?
At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. A series of X-rays may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health. Using a close exam of your teeth, as well as clinical photos and X-rays, the dentist will then make you aware of any treatment that is recommended. At this time, we will have a conversation about treatment options, ideal timing for treatment, etc. We want YOU to always be an involved and integral part of the process as we generate your treatment plan. No matter what, it’s your mouth and your decision how to proceed with any treatment. Our job, and goal, is to provide you with the information you need to make important decisions about your health.
How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?
The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. Please also be sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage, and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.