Generally, people should undergo a dental examination once every six months. Routine dental exams help detect abnormalities in the mouth and prevent potential problems from deteriorating further. However, many people feel anxious because they don’t know what to expect during a regular dental checkup.
Most patients visit the dentist only when they experience pain or when something is seriously wrong. But if they regularly visited the dentist, they would find that problems could be spotted and treated early. Some of the issues discovered during a dental checkup include cavities, tooth decay, gum diseases, and oral cancer. Identifying and treating these problems early will increase the chances of successfully treating them and help save money in the long run.
The dentist will ask you about your overall health — medications you are presently taking, allergies, and whether you smoke or consume alcohol. The dentist may also inquire about your previous dental treatment procedures and surgeries. All this information will help them to form a customized treatment plan for your needs.
After collecting the required information, the dentist will conduct a thorough physical examination of your teeth, gums, jaw, and supporting structures. X-rays are taken to help them in their diagnosis. They are an essential part of most checkups. The X-rays allow a dentist to detect any dental abnormalities that are not visible during a cursory physical examination.
Oral cancer is a serious problem. If it is not detected early, it can quickly spread and become life-threatening. However, an early oral cancer diagnosis is often beneficial since it is easily treatable. Your dentist will examine the area surrounding your jaws and the soft tissues in your mouth for signs of oral cancer.
When carrying out a checkup, your dentist will get rid of tartar that most often develops on the teeth and under the gum. For this purpose, ultrasonic cleaning equipment is used during dental cleaning. After removing the tartar, the dentist will polish your teeth and instruct you on correct brushing and flossing methods that will help maintain your oral hygiene.
After the dental cleaning is done, your dentist will discuss the results of the examinations. If any abnormalities were detected, they would suggest a further course of action. In case of any specialized treatment, you may be referred to an expert. The dentist will also educate you on how to take care of your teeth to avoid future problems.
MON - FRI 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
SAT 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
SUN Closed
