What to Expect During a Dental Exam

Regularly scheduled dental exams are an essential part of your health care maintenance as the health of your teeth and gums are closely related to the health of the rest of your body. Evidence of heart problems , diabetes, and even oral cancer can be visible in the mouth during the examination. Therefore, investing in your dental health now can prevent costly issues in the long run.

While teeth are the main focus in your dental health, dental hygienists will also check jaw muscles and lymph nodes in the facial and neck area, and conduct a full cleaning session for both your teeth and gums.

Your dental check-up will vary depending on your personal needs. However, every exam has a general structure.

You will get a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. Your gums, teeth, and neck area will also be examined for signs of disease or decay. If any issues are found, your dentist and oral hygienist will work with you on how to address the problem and improve your dental health at another appointment.

If needed, All Smiles offers convenient financing options that keep dental health within reach for people working with the constraints of a budget.

During your examination, the dental cleaning will be done by a professional dental hygienist focused on cleaning your teeth and removing as much plaque and tartar as possible. During this step, your dental hygienist will use special dental tools for a thorough cleaning that surpasses follows the latest standard oral hygiene practices.

While at the dental office, you may require to give your teeth and gums a deep cleaning with scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning will reach bacteria and plaque below the gum line that cannot be removed using at-home cleaning methods. Cleaning sessions may also include fluoride treatment and a polishing session done to protect and improve the appearance of your teeth. Polishing is done with a rotating head and a smoothing paste which creates a smooth surface that is more difficult for plaque to gather on.

During the examination, a dentist will look inside your mouth at the gum and tooth area, and outside at the jaw and neck. The examination will check for potential signs of gum disease and areas where tooth decay may occur or has already begun to occur. Checking the periodontal pockets in your gums will show whether or not you have gum disease. An x-ray may sometimes be needed to check bite or tooth alignment, but is not always necessary.

In addition to evaluating your current dental health, dentists can also provide advice on your potential risk factors. Asking about personal habits, such as smoking or the frequency with which you floss, gives professionals information on how to help you care for your teeth better.

Take charge of your dental hygiene by scheduling regular appointments. Regular check-ups are important for prophylaxis, or preventative care. Prevention is always much easier and more affordable than treatment for serious gum disease or tooth decay. If your dentist has found decay, gum disease or other issues, you will need to schedule another appointment for treatment.

All Smiles offers a skilled and reliable dental team that puts an end to wondering “where can I find a good dental exam near me.” Stay on top of your overall health by getting your teeth checked and cleaned regularly. To schedule an exam or other consultation, contact All Smiles today !

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