What to Expect From a Routine Dental Exam

A routine dental exam gives the dentist a chance to examine a patient's teeth and gums and perform any necessary treatments. It also serves as an opportunity to educate patients about their oral health and to perform preventative treatments that protect them against tooth decay and gum disease.

Dentists recommend coming in for a dental exam at least two times each year, with about six months between each visit. This gives the dentist a chance to notice any problems that develop before they evolve into something much worse.

Most dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, do not cause pain and discomfort during their early stages. These issues often reach their advanced stages before such symptoms begin to show up. Detecting dental issues early goes a long way when it comes to avoiding the pain caused by them.

Your routine dental exam

Wondering what might go on during a dental exam? Here are things that dentists typically do when patients come in for their routine checkups.

1. Teeth cleanings

Teeth cleanings are preventative dental treatments that involve removing tartar from teeth surfaces using a scaler. It is a painless procedure, so anesthetics are typically not used. Tartar is the calcified form of plaque, and it houses bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing and flossing will not get rid of tartar. Professional teeth cleaning is needed to remove tartar and the bacteria contained in it.

2. Examinations

Dentists also examine their patients’ teeth during routine check-ups. They look for signs of dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, and alignment problems. The examination often involves a visual inspection of the patient’s teeth and gums. The dentist will also inspect their head and neck, looking for abnormal growths that might be signs of oral cancer.

3. Preventative treatments

Dentists also perform other preventative treatments, like fluoride applications and dental sealants, during routine checkups. Fluoride treatments can protect teeth from tooth decay for up to six months, while dental sealants can protect teeth for up to three years. Sealants are an effective way to protect teeth in the back of the mouth that are harder to clean. The sealant serves as a barrier that prevents acids and bacteria in the mouth from reaching the tooth’s surface.

4. Plans for existing issues

Dentists also use routine checkups to create strategic plans on how to deal with any issues that they detect. For example, if the dentist notices that one of the patient’s teeth needs a root canal, the procedure can be performed during the same visit or scheduled for a follow-up visit. Dentists also use routine visits to talk to their patients about any cosmetic goals that they have and to perform any necessary cosmetic treatments.

Get your teeth checked out

Can you remember the last time that you visited a dentist? Give us a call or visit our Chester clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at (804) 412-0867 for an appointment in our Chester office.

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