From childhood, we're taught to brush and floss twice daily. However, professional dental exams and cleanings are also crucial as they help detect oral conditions like abscesses, sores, and unusual tissue growths that may require lab analysis.
Why Are Dental Exams Important?
Many patients experience anxiety about dental care, but regular cleanings and examinations are essential to maintain oral health and detect early signs of conditions like cavities, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Catching these issues early reduces the likelihood of needing more invasive and costly treatments later.
Details of an Exam
Despite concerns, professional dental exams and cleanings typically cause only mild discomfort as we remove tartar, bacteria, and plaque from the teeth and gum surfaces. Here’s what to expect:
Medical History Update
One of the most important aspects of the exam is updating the patient's medical history. This provides us with all the detailed information necessary to determine their future care. It also allows us to note any prescription medication the patient might need, which could impact their care.
Physical Examination
After we gather the medical history information, we will examine the head, neck, jaw, and mouth to look for any limited range of motion, discolorations, ulcers, and abnormal tissue growths in and around the oral cavity. We will use x-rays to determine the underlying jawbone structure's health. This is important because the gums and teeth will be affected without a healthy jawbone.
Cleaning and Screening
Once the assessment has been completed, we will clean the oral cavity of all tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the surface of the teeth both above and below the gum line. We will also screen for oral cancer, looking for any oral cavity tissue that might warrant further assessment.
Do You Need a Dental Exam?
We are always willing to help our patients understand their oral cavities and areas needing treatment. Come see the professionals at Bonnie & Simone, so we can perform a quick 15-minute evaluation and determine the best form of treatment. We can be reached at (757) 540-1028. Please call us to schedule an appointment with our office.
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