Understanding the importance of undergoing a dental exam is something everyone needs to do. While many people think this type of dental appointment simply looks for cavities, it is in fact an appointment that supports good oral health. This is because a dental professional will look for a number of different types of dental problems that can potentially cause dental-related problems.
Wondering how often one needs to undergo a dental exam? It depends. While the rule of thumb is every six months, some people need to be seen more often and some people need to be seen less often. According to MedlinePlus, these exams are important for protecting oral health, as oral health problems can become serious and painful if not treated promptly. Ready to learn what happens when someone makes a dental examination appointment?
The information below explains what one can expect to happen when undergoing a dental examination. It is important for patients to let their dental professional know if they have been diagnosed with any health issues, e.g., heart problems, diabetes or immune system problems.
Dental X-rays are necessary, as they show images of one’s teeth that show things that cannot be seen with the naked eye. For example, these images can show if someone has a cavity, if they have any stage of gum disease, if they are experiencing any bone loss as well as any other potential dental issues that will likely cause future oral problems. While bite-wing X-rays are the type of X-rays many people are familiar with, panoramic X-rays are becoming more common.
After X-rays are taken, the dental professional will look inside the patient's mouth to perform a general mouth examination. Things they will check for include making sure the bite is not experiencing any problems, making sure there are no signs of oral cancer and an overall look at the gums and teeth to see if there are any problems that can be seen visually.
A dental cleaning is performed in order to remove any existing plaque and/or tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar contain bad bacteria, which will only continue to build until these two harmful substances are removed from the teeth. Additional procedures include flossing and brushing the patient's teeth and receiving a fluoride treatment. Patients can expect this part of the exam to take about 30 to 40 minutes, with the entire exam taking about one hour to complete.
In need of a dental exam? The sooner an appointment is made, the sooner one can understand the current status of their dental health. It is easier to treat any dental problems when they are in their earliest stages, making it a good idea for everyone to make regular dental examination appointments. When it comes to how often these appointments need to be made, it depends on each patient, e.g., three months, six months, nine months or one year.
Request an appointment here: https://austinlakesdentistry.com or call Austin Lakes Dentistry: Scott T Gordon DDS at (512) 266-1308 for an appointment in our Austin office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
When a child first goes to the dentist for a dental cleaning, there is often anxiety and resistance, which is completely normal. Thankfully, general dentists who work with children are trained to be extra patient and gentle. Additionally, they are able to provide parents with tips that can be helpful in preparing the child for…
Wondering just how beneficial a professional dental cleaning is? Routine dental cleanings help patients avoid dental-related problems by removing hardened plaque and calculus. Most patients need to undergo these cleanings twice a year.Preventive dentistry aims to keep a patient's mouth healthy so they do not have to undergo dental treatments to experience a healthy mouth.…
A dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good oral health because it removes buildups of plaque and tartar. Additionally, they keep the teeth and gums appearing healthy and strong. Routine dental cleanings are typically done in a general dentistry setting because general dentists are the main point of contact for ensuring good dental…
It is helpful to have an idea of what to expect during your dental cleaning and examinations. This allows you to properly prepare mentally and physically before you go and calm any anxieties you may experience before your visit.Of course, every dental examination is unique as every dentist has their own process and treats each…
Your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you are not confident about your smile, a dental veneer might be on your mind as a possible solution. It is one way to change how a tooth looks, but there are many other options. So, why opt for veneers…
General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more…