The first step is to identify a dentist according to your needs and after you find one that you like, you need to schedule a checkup regardless of whether or not you have a dental problem. For the initial dentist visit, a complete health history is typically taken. During subsequent visits it is important to inform your dentist about any health challenges that you may have.
Dental visits are usually checkups and scheduling them on a regular basis will help to keep your teeth clean and strong. Regular checkups are also essential for preventing the development of painful and complicated problems.
Cleaning
Most checkups include complete cleaning that is performed by a dental hygienist or your dentist. Special instruments are used scrape beneath the gum line to remove the build up of plaque and tartar. This helps to keep bad breath, cavities, gum disease and other problems at bay. Your hygienist or dentist may also floss and polish your teeth.
Full Examination
Dentists carry out thorough examinations of the mouth, gums and teeth. They look for signs of problems such as diseases. The primary goal is to help you maintain good dental health and prevent problems from worsening by finding and treating them in a timely manner.
Dental X-rays
Depending on your symptoms, risks of diseases and your age, a dentist may recommend an X-ray. X-rays are useful for diagnosing problems that are often unnoticed like impacted teeth, damaged jawbones, cysts or tumors, decay between teeth and abscesses. In modern dental offices machines that emit minimal radiation are typically used. Click here for dentist Irvine.
Panoramic X-rays provide complete views of the lower and upper jaw in one picture and enable the dentist to understand the relationship between different teeth and the arch as well as your bite. X-rays are not always necessary at each dental visit and you can discuss with your dentist about any concerns you may have regarding radiation exposure.
Aspects of Dental Exams
During dental exams, dentists and hygienists typically perform the following tasks:
- Assess oral hygiene and general health
- Assess your risk of bone or gum disease, root decay and tooth decay
- Assess your need for tooth replacement or restoration
- Check your jaw and bite for problems
- Remove deposits or stains on your teeth
- Demonstrate the right cleaning techniques for teeth and dentures
- Evaluate your fluoride requirements
- Carry out various diagnostic procedures
Evaluating Overall Health
- Dental exams also consist of your dentist asking about the health problems that you may have or medication you are currently taking and their impact on your oral health.
- Certain conditions such as diabetes place at you at higher risk of gum disease. Medication that has a drying effect in the mouth can make you more susceptible to tooth decay.
- Dentists examine prosthetic replacements like bridges and dentures to observe how they fit and determine whether adjustments should be made.
Oral Cancer Exams
Dentists take the opportunity to carry out an oral cancer exam. This typically involves feeling below the jaw, sides of the neck, inside the cheeks and lips, sides of the tongue as well as the floor and roof of the mouth. Remember to make an appointment after every visit and ask any questions that you may have.