Everyone, whether orally healthy or not, is advised to have an annual or biannual dental exam to ensure that they maintain optimum health, and prevent oral diseases. Even babies are advised to have a dental exam by age 1 or earlier, if they get their first tooth before their first birthday. Unfortunately, despite the necessity, one out of three Americans still deliberately set aside this important exam, mostly due to fear of not knowing what to expect.
Here are 7 important points to help you learn what to expect during your dental exam.
1. Cleaning and Checkup
A basic dental exam consists of a teeth cleaning and checkup. The checkup involves inspection of the health of the teeth and gums.
2. General Dentist Referral
General dentists normally conduct the initial dental exam, and administer treatment whenever possible. For severe cases of tooth and gum problems though, a treatment plan is usually needed, and this is done in collaboration with another dentist who will handle further treatments, depending on the type of specialization you will need. If you need further testing, tooth repair, or dental implants, you are likely to be referred to someone else.
3. Thorough Checking of Tooth Decay in Kids
The most common dental problem among kids is tooth decay, so a dentist normally focuses on it longer than the other aspects of oral health. Periodontal or gum diseases, as well as diseases affecting nearby areas like the neck and face, are less common at this age, but occurrence is still possible.
4. Thorough Checking of Gum Disease in Adults
Gum disease is more common among adults. In fact, many cases of missing teeth are caused by a progressing gum disease. While receiving dental care in Columbia, MD, your dentist will check for gum disease.
5. Full Mouth X-ray
Cavities between your teeth cannot be thoroughly examined without the help of a full mouth X-ray. This is often necessary for your initial dental exam which will also be included in your dental history. The next time you are likely to have another full mouth X-ray is two to three years later. Children usually need one every year or two.
6. Manual and Ultrasonic Cleaning
The first part of the cleaning process usually starts with manual scraping of tartar in front, between, and behind your teeth. Brushing and flossing are also normally done. Nowadays though, many dentists give their patients the chance to undergo ultrasonic cleaning, which can clean an entire row all at the same time.
7. Neck and Head Examination
Most dentists no longer confine their exams on the mouth alone. They also check your face, neck, lymph nodes, and jaw joints for possible diseases that can affect your oral health. If necessary, you will be referred to an oral surgeon.