Dental Exams and Cleanings – What to Expect
Dental exams are an important aspect of preventative healthcare. During a dental examination, your hygienists check your mouth for any oral diseases and infections. During the exam, the specialist evaluates the risk of developing additional problems and checks your face and neck area for abnormalities.
The exam might also include x-rays and radiographs.
Why are Dental Exams Done?
Dental exams don’t only help to improve your dental but overall oral health. For instance, symptoms of a systemic disease such as diabetes and arthritis might display in the mouth. If your hygienist finds any of these symptoms, they can suggest that you visit a specialist in that field.
Dental exams and cleanings in Redding give the hygienist a chance to provide helpful tips to care for your teeth so you can detect oral problems in time when they are easily treatable.
Specialists recommend that you have a dental exam and regular cleaning as advised by your dentist. At least twice a year is enough to keep your oral health checked and prevent serious dental problems.
How to Prepare for a Dental Exam
If it’s your first time, you will have to ask for a recommendation. Consider the dentist’s location and how they participate in your health plan. Contact the Riverbend Family Dental whenever you need a dental cleaning.
If you have dental anxieties, you have to share your concerns with the dental hygienist. He/she can adjust the treatment plan to one that will make you feel more comfortable. You also need to
What to Expect
Your hygienist will do the following during your dental exam:
- Evaluate your body’s overall health
- Evaluate the risk of acquiring tooth decay, gum or bone disease
- Assess the need for a tooth replacement and restoration
- Check the bite force for aw problems
- Remove stains and plaque deposits on the teeth
- Demonstrate how to clean your teeth and dental \prosthesis properly
- Assess the need for a fluoride treatment
- Take dental x-rays if necessary and perform other diagnostic checks
During a dental exam and cleaning in Redding, your dental hygienist asks about any health problems you have or taking medications. He/she will advise if they will affect your dental health. For instance, diabetes can increase the risk of developing gum disease.
Some medications that cause dry mouth might increase the risk of tooth decay. Having arthritis or another dental condition that hampers you from brushing your truth correctly, your dentist might show you how to attach a rubber ball to your toothbrush and enhance grip – or even recommend an electric toothbrush.
If you have other dental prostheses like bridges and crowns, your dentist examines the suitability of their fit and discusses if they need to be adjusted.
During a dental exam, your dentist also counsels you about your diet and what food is best for your oral health. They also advise on the adverse effects of using tobacco products and other lifestyle factors that negatively affect your oral health.
Dental X-ray
Using a dental x-ray, your dentist can see detailed images of your mouth and diagnose problems that were not visible during the dental exam. Note that X-rays are not aren’t needed at every dental exam.
They will only be conducted if your hygienist finds it necessary, and after discussing it with you. Modern X-rays have minimal and harmless radiation, so there is nothing to worry about.
Oral Cancer Exam
Your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer during a dental exam. They do this by feeling the jaw’s lower area, sides of the neck, and inside your lips and cheeks. The roof of your mouth and sides of the tongue also hold signs of oral cancer.
Dental Impression
Your dental hygienist can recommend taking a dental impression of one or both of your jaws to make a replica of your teeth and underlying oral issues. This way, it’s easier for your dentist or hygienist to evaluate your bite for easy making of mouthguards and bleaching trays.
Results
After the exam is done, your dental hygienist then discusses your oral health. This includes your risk of developing tooth decay, periodontal disease and other oral issues. They also discuss preventative measures that will improve your oral health.
You will also be instructed on when to come back for the next appointment. Frequent checkups are inevitable if you have gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems.