Hello, I'm Elizabeth Kesler here at Dental Care by Design. We get a lot of questions about dental exams. Today, I'm going to answer some of the most common questions on this topic to give you a better understanding of why regular dental checkups are important.
Why are dental exams and cleanings essential?
Dental exams and cleanings are essential because, with regular cleaning, we maintain your teeth and gums' health throughout your lifetime. I have many patients who have been doing regular dental cleanings for years, and they're now in their 70s, 80s, and 90s and still have their natural teeth. If you would like more information about dental cleanings, please refer to our other videos on this topic. During dental cleaning appointments, our doctor or doctors will perform dental examinations. While they check your teeth, they will also examine the surrounding soft tissue and address any questions or concerns you might have at that time. During the exam, they will determine if a follow-up appointment is needed to address any problems that might be discovered.
What is included in a dental exam?
The dental exam includes a check of the soft tissues of the head and neck, and inside the mouth for your cheeks, tongue, throat, tonsils, roof of the mouth, and under the tongue. Then, the teeth are checked. During a dental exam, the dentist will review your x-rays and health history. Our doctors might detect some issues that need to be followed up by other dentists, specialist dentists, or medical providers outside the dentist's scope of practice.
What is a dentist looking for during a dental exam?
During a dental exam, the dentist assesses the overall health of your teeth and gums, looking for any abnormalities that might need to be addressed. Dentists can detect bone loss or periodontitis, tooth decay, tooth fracture, tooth infection, tumors, or cancer. Dentists are among the first providers who can detect an acid reflux condition and recommend that you follow up with your doctor. The dentist will inform you if you have problems with grinding or clenching that affect your teeth and health. In children, a dentist looks for tooth eruption, tooth decay, congenitally missing teeth, the need for braces, or wisdom teeth removal.
What types of recommendations might come from a dental exam?
The recommendations from a dental exam could be to improve home care or to use additional home care devices to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Other recommendations might be to have a filling or a crown to save a tooth or to have a night guard made to protect the teeth in case of grinding habits.
How long does a full dental exam take?
A full dental exam might take from 10 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on your health condition and the need for a follow-up treatment or exam.
Are dental exams painful?
Dental exams are not painful. They are easy for the patient.
How can I schedule a dental exam?
The best way to schedule a dental exam is to call us and ask for a dental exam appointment. Our front office staff, who will assist you on the phone, will ask if you want your dental exam to be with a cleaning or by itself. You can choose either option, and we will meet your needs.
I hope I've been able to answer some of your questions about dental exams. If you have additional questions or are ready to take action, please give us a call at (360) 800-2372. We're here to help.