Whether you are 80 or 8, your oral health is important. Regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental disease.

 

What to Expect

During a dental exam, the dentist or hygienist will ask about your recent medical history, examine your mouth and decide whether or not you need x-rays. Depending on your treatment plan, the hygienist may use a special dental instruments to check your gums for gum disease. Your dentist will evaluate your overall dental health and conduct an oral cancer screening by holding your tongue with gauze, checking it and your whole mouth, then feeling your jaw and neck. 

 

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.

 

Signs You Should See a Dentist

  • Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold

  • Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss

  • You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.

  • You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look

  • You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth

  • You are pregnant

  • You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck

  • You have difficulty chewing or swallowing

  • You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay

  • You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders or are HIV positive

  • Your mouth is often dry

  • You smoke or use other tobacco products

  • You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy

  • Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite

  • You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and it isn’t going away

 

What’s Included in a Dental Exam?

  • Comprehensive Exam

  • Custom Cleanings

  • Oral Cancer Screening

  • X-Rays (as needed)

  • Periodontal Evaluation (as needed)

  • Oral Hygiene Instructions (as needed)

  • Problem Focused Exam (as needed)