Dental Exams and Check Ups
How Important is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating 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. Periodontal disease, which involves diseased bone and the formation of “pockets”, will occur if this earlier condition is not addressed. 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 oral hygiene and provide suggestions to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Our exams will also look for signs of TMJ disorders as well as screening for oral cancers. Detecting these types of problems earlier will allow for easier and less complicated treatment.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams should generally take place at least every six months. However, consult with our team to help decide how often you should be examined. We may suggest that you visit us more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities, genetic susceptibility to tooth/ root decay as well as sign of 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. These deposits are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Digital X-ray images 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, such as how often you brush and floss your teeth, 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.
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. You also want to make 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.