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 in to calculus and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. Periodontal disease leads to bad breath and bone loss that eventually can lead to tooth loss. 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 current dental needs. This allows our staff to provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities, infection, gum and periodontal disease. Dental Exams also allow us to detect dental problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily. Although rare, there are forms of oral cancer that can be easily detected during routine exams. It is important to catch oral cancers early to ensure the best possible prognosis for treatment of the cancers.
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, for 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 and other factors.
What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?
At a typical dental exam, our team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your teeth and tissues in and surrounding your mouth. Our staff 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 special dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray 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 your teeth, and floss, 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. If any dental problems are noted, treatment options will be discussed with you.
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 or you medical history – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure both your dental and overall health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.
Don’t Delay Your Check-Up Any Longer!
Contact us today to schedule a dental exam with Drs. Carney or Carney!