Regular dental exams are an important part of maintaining excellent oral health. But if you don’t feel completely confident about visiting a dentist, a checkup can cause unnecessary anxiety. The staff members at Total Health Dentistry in Cold Spring, KY, realize unawareness often is at the root of people’s stress and go out of their way to explain what to expect and ensure every patient is comfortable with their care.

5 Elements of a Dental Exam

1. Initial Conversation

Before your dentist or hygienist works on your mouth, they will talk with you about your oral history and hygiene routine. If it’s your first appointment with a new dentist, this conversation will be more in-depth than it would be if you had been seeing them for years.

2. Overall Health Evaluation

Next, your dentist will look in your mouth to determine its general health. Their observations will give them a basic idea whether you’re suffering from tooth decay, gum disease, or another problem that could indicate issues with not only your teeth and gums but overall health.

3. Jaw & Bite Assessment

How your upper and lower teeth fit together is a critical part of your oral health. Your dentist will have you bite down and then will inspect your jawline for misalignment. They also will take X-rays to evaluate the condition of your teeth under the gums.

4. Damage Determination

Depending on the state of your teeth, your dentist might recommend tooth restoration or replacement. The details of these procedures depend on your condition. Veneers, crowns, dental implants, bridges, and custom dentures are possibilities for improving the appearance and function of your teeth.

5. Teeth Cleaning

Every dental exam includes a thorough cleaning. Your dentist or oral hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth as well as buff and floss them to leave you with a clean, fresh mouth.

These are the basic steps of a dental exam, but the specific procedure ultimately depends on your dental care needs. When you choose Total Health Dentistry as your oral health care provider, they will talk you through the process and put you at ease. Visit their website for more information about their services and call (859) 441-1230 to schedule an appointment. Follow the clinic on Twitter for dental care tips and updates from their team.