What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?
A comprehensive dental exam is much more than a routine twice-a-year dental exam. It is an extensive evaluation of every aspect of your oral health to provide a baseline that we use to lay the groundwork for future recommendations and treatment plans. A comprehensive exam is necessary for all new patients and every three years for existing patients. However, periodic dental exams and cleanings are typically recommended every six months, and in some cases more often, depending on a patient’s unique needs.
What Happens During Your Comprehensive Dental Exam?
Before examining your teeth, we will ask you about your medical and dental history, current or previous complaints, and cosmetic goals. Our thorough exam includes the following:
- Digital X-Rays: X-rays help uncover potential problems, including tooth decay, bone loss, cysts, or other abnormalities. They provide a wealth of information needed to design effective preventive or restorative treatment plans.
- Tooth By Tooth Exam: We will examine the health of each one of your teeth and evaluate the condition of your tooth enamel to determine whether your teeth are at risk of developing cavities. We will also assess existing restorations to ensure they are free of damage.
- Periodontal Exam: We will evaluate your gum health to rule out periodontal (gum) disease. If left untreated, the condition can progress, resulting in tooth loss and can impact your oral and overall health. Early detection of gum disease ensures better treatment outcomes.
- Bite Analysis: A bite analysis will help determine the health of your occlusion (bite). A poor bite often results in problems, including loose teeth, excessive wear, or a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Correcting your bite will alleviate your symptoms and prevent many oral health complications.
- Oral Cancer Screening: This potentially life-saving screening involves examining the soft tissues in your oral cavity and the surrounding muscles to rule out abnormalities. If there is a suspicious area, we will discuss further testing. When treated in the early stages, oral cancer has an excellent chance for a full cure.
- Smile Assessment: Once we evaluate your smile, we may then recommend cosmetic dentistry services. These can include teeth whitening, restoring missing teeth, or correcting misshapen, crooked, or misaligned teeth.
What Happens After a Comprehensive Dental Exam?
After concluding your exam, we will create a fully customized plan, including immediate treatment needs, preventive measures, and cosmetic dentistry procedures you may want to consider to enhance your smile. Our primary goal is always to prevent dental problems from developing and treating existing ones before they progress.
Comprehensive Dental Exams Near Me
Caring for your smile extends beyond the walls of our dental office. We encourage you to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. Don’t forget to schedule your periodic dental exams and cleanings. Together we can work to ensure you enjoy long-term healthy smiles.
Request Your Appointment Today
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