Dental Exam
Hobe Sound, FL
 Dental exams here at DiMeo Family Dental give our dentists a chance to check for issues which may cause future problems. Once these issues are identified they can be treated early to prevent worsening oral health.
What Happens During a Dental Exam?
When you arrive for your dental exam the dentist will take you into the surgery and ask you to take a seat. They will examine the inside of your mouth using a small mirror and a small, pointed instrument known as a scaler. They will use the scaler to test areas of your teeth by applying pressure. They may even gently tap your teeth with it if they find a troublesome area.
The dentist will examine every tooth in turn. They may also want to perform an x-ray exam on either of your jaws should you report unexplained pain in a particular area. The x-ray will be able to detect cavities between the teeth that might be invisible to the naked eye. During a dental exam, the dentist is looking for signs of tooth decay, cavities, excessive tartar and plaque, and gum disease.
The dentist might use a special type of instrument to measure the sizes of the gaps between your teeth. Monitoring these gaps is important since growth of distance can be an early indication of gingivitis. The dentist may recite numbers or letters while they are checking your teeth. This is perfectly normal. They are recording the health of each tooth and gum so they can check for deterioration during future exams.
The dentist may also wish to examine your throat, neck or tongue. They are assessing the oral health of these areas for signs of swelling or inflammation. These signs can be indications that something deeper is wrong. Typically, if there is nothing wrong with your oral health, the dentist will dismiss you with another appointment in six months’ time. It is normal for you to see both the dentist and the hygienist in the same visit, in which case you will receive a tooth and gum cleaning before you leave the surgery.
Dental Exams and Advice
If you have any questions about your oral health then a dental exam is the ideal time to ask a professional. Likewise, the dentist may use the time during your exam to advise you on the best way to proceed with the daily maintenance of a healthy smile. During your dental exam, you can also ask about other services your services may provide, such as teeth whitening, dental cleanings, or other medical treatments.
Dental Exams and Oral Health
Professional tooth and gum cleanings go hand-in-hand with dental exams. During this time, it is advisable that you discuss your diet and oral hygiene routine with the dentist or the hygienist. It is important that you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis to maintain a healthy smile between visits.
Plaque forms on dirty teeth and quickly turns to tartar if it is not removed. Tartar weakens teeth and heightens the risk of gum disease. Dental cleaning between visits is essential to protect your teeth and gums. If you want to find out more, call the team at DiMeo Family Dental at (772) 266-0962 today. |
