We tend to associate the word “dentist” with invasive and painful procedures like root canals, wisdom tooth extractions, and dental crowns. As a result, most people only go to the dentist when they feel pain. Oral pain can be a result of untreated gum disease, poor dental hygiene, or even bodily diseases like diabetes and lupus.
At Town Center Dental we practice detecting the early signs of an autoimmune disorder, gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer and dealing with these problems early. Preventative dentistry increases your chances of successful treatment.
How often you should have a dental exam?
People with good oral health should visit their dentist every six months. During an exam, the dentist will use information gathered about your oral health to determine the most optimal schedule for dental checkups, cleanings, and general oral maintenance. In short, how frequently you should see the dentist depends on the dentist’s evaluation of how healthy your gums and teeth currently are and the potential risk for future issues.
What to expect during your dental exam
A dental checkup will be performed by an experienced general dentist, with the help of a dental assistant and/or dental hygienist, if a cleaning is required. A general dentist helps identify and prevent the progression of oral diseases and differs from a dental specialist as they offer a wide array of services vital to sustained oral health. A dental hygienist performs oral health assessments, dental cleanings, uses their personal and clinical skills to motivate patients, and gives instructions on how to prevent oral disease and maintain oral health.
The first part of a dental exam begins with your medical history intake. The dentist will ask you questions to build a picture of your oral health. You will need to offer information regarding allergies, whether you smoke or consume alcohol, and any medications you are currently taking. The dentist is required to ask if you have any medical conditions for which you are undergoing treatment. The dentist may ask about your previous dental treatment, surgeries, or your experience with anesthesia.
After collecting all the necessary and relevant information, they can begin their investigation. Dentists perform a thorough investigation of the teeth, gums, jaw, and supporting structures. Procedures and tools used include X-rays, dental cleanings, and oral cancer screenings.
X-ray machines are an essential and common tool used by dental practitioners to identify dental abnormalities invisible to the naked eye. The dentist will first take a full mouth X-ray and in future visits will spot-check any problem areas for closer inspection. X-rays are not usually required for every dental exam. Exposure to radiation from X-rays is low, however, you should speak with your dentist if you have any concerns about radiation exposure.
Dental cleanings not only serve the purpose of cleaning your teeth and gums, but they also help your dentist further assess your oral health and spot any undetected dental abnormalities. During a checkup, a dental hygienist or general dentist will remove tartar that forms frequently on your teeth and under your gums. After scraping away the tartar, the dentist will polish and floss your teeth.
As oral cancer cases increase, many dental practices have been prompted to include an oral cancer screening as part of their standard dental exams. Modern dentists are trained to detect early signs of oral cancer by examining the soft tissues in your mouth and the areas surrounding your jaw.
It is never too late to invest in your oral health
Oral problems untreated can develop rapidly and lead to invasive and painful procedures. Town Center Dental will help ensure your oral health is on the right track with regular visits and biannual exams. Schedule an appointment with our office today at 636-273-5866.
