Exams
Visiting our dental office for exams on a regular basis is a smart move! This allows us to diagnose any dental problems before they get worse.
Table of Contents
What are Dental Exams?
In the long-term, routine dental exams help you cut down on treatment time. We’ll teach you how to avoid cavities and gum disease from happening in the first place, but regular dental exams are your number one best defense.
Regular dental exams allow our clinical professionals to keep active and accurate records of your oral health. By establishing a baseline for your mouth, we can then monitor any adverse changes you may have had and correct them before they become major problems.
During your dental exams, you will have your entire head and neck examined, radiographs, periodontal charting, oral cancer screening, and more. Our doctors and hygienists are also here to answer any questions you may have.
Dental Exams FAQs
A dental examination is typically advised every six months. Dentists can identify oral health problems early on with routine dental checkups, preventing them from worsening. These exams usually involve a thorough cleaning, examination of teeth and gums, and sometimes X-rays to look for problems that might not be apparent to the unaided eye, such as cavities. However, the frequency of dental exams may vary depending on individual oral health needs, so it’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the ideal schedule for you.
Preparing for a dental exam is relatively straightforward. Start by ensuring you have any necessary insurance information updated and ready to provide. Before the appointment, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to remove any surface plaque or debris. Note any concerns or changes in your oral health that must be discussed with your dentist during the exam. Also, bring that information along if you have any relevant medical history or medications. Finally, arrive on time or a few minutes early to fill out any required paperwork and allow yourself to relax before the exam begins.
The duration of a dental exam typically ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on various factors such as the thoroughness of the examination, the complexity of the patient’s oral health, and whether additional procedures like X-rays are needed. Routine exams usually take around 30 minutes, including time for cleaning and discussing any concerns with the dentist. However, if there are specific issues to address or it’s been a while since the last exam, the appointment may take longer to ensure a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.