QUICK EXAMINATIONS

Dental appointments are an important part of your total health care. If it has been a while since you had an exam or you are preparing for your first appointment, here's what you can expect.

If it is your first visit, dentist may do a brief initial exam to determine any obvious problems and then turn you over to a dental hygienist for a professional cleaning.

If you have pain or an immediate problem, your dentist may deal with these issues first, before doing the cleaning. The course and order of treatment depends on the state of your dental health.

The initial exam will involve a thorough inspection of your mouth, tongue and teeth. 

Dental examinations at regular interval are an important part of preventive health care.

The dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth and check for cavities and gum disease. He/ She will also evaluate your risk of developing other oral health problems, as well as check your face, neck and mouth for abnormalities. A dental exam may also include dental X-rays (radiographs) or other diagnostic procedures.

The dentist or hygienist will may discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits and also demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.

 
X-Rays

The x-rays can spot decay/ bone loss or other problems that may not be obvious with a surface examination. Decay between teeth or around an old filling is hard to spot without x-rays.

Your dentist will also look for any signs of gum disease, oral cancer or other health problems with your tongue and mouth. How your jaws are aligned and whether your bite is correct (no over-bite or under-bite) are also parts of many initial exams.

The dentists are takes a complete dental and medical history before the exam and significant findings discussed. For example, some medications and chronic diseases can affect your dental health. Your dentist will want to know all of the medications you take.

If you have cavities, gum disease or other problems, your dentist will discuss the next steps and explain what work needs to be done and what your options are.

Dental hygienists/ dentists perform professional cleanings and help patients learn proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as other dental health tips.

It is natural to feel some anxiety about dental examination, especially if this is your first or you haven't seen a dentist in some time. Dentists modern instruments and medications to keep discomfort to a minimum.

See a Professional

Don't let anxiety about a dental exam keep you from seeing a dental health professional. Many dental problems are simple and inexpensive to treat if caught in the early stages.

Without timely treatment, a small cavity can become a big problem.

In many cases, your dentist will recommend you come in for a check-up every six months after the initial problems are repaired. Depending on the severity of your dental health problems, the dentist may recommend more frequent check-ups and/or cleanings.

Limiting sugary treats and following good dental hygiene habits (brush twice and floss daily) helps keep future problems to a minimum.