A dental exam might not be your ideal way to spend an hour or two, but a biannual visit to the dentist is a small price to pay for the best possible dental health and oral hygiene. In fact, routine preventive care is your best weapon against more serious problems for you and the whole family. Here’s what you can expect during a checkup.

The Initial Dental Exam

If it’s your first visit to a particular dental office, or you report an existing problem, the dentist will likely examine you right away. For routine appointments, a dental hygienist will usually conduct a professional cleaning before the exam.

Your dentist should be fully informed about your dental and medical history because dental and oral health can be affected by certain diseases and medications. If the dentist is seeing you for the first time, they should ask you general questions about your health. 

What the Dentist Is Looking For

During the dental exam, your dentist will inspect every area of your mouth, including the teeth, tongue, and soft palate. This can also extend to checking your throat, face, and neck for any signs of problems.

Your dentist will examine you for evidence of tooth decay and assess the risk of these problems occurring in the future. Dental inspections also check for oral cancer and gum disease, and a dental exam can even reveal signs of broader health issues, such as lupus and diabetes. 

X-Rays

Your dentist might wish to perform an X-ray to look for details that aren’t visible during a regular inspection. X-rays are useful for picking up fine details such as decay between teeth, but they are not always part of a standard dental exam.

If any problems are found during the initial examination or X-ray, your dentist will discuss treatment options with you. Depending on their advice, you should be able to schedule treatment at a time that suits you.

Your Dental Future 

During your visit, you can also ask your dentist about cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening or veneers. Restorative procedures such as a crown or dental implant may also be options. 

Before you leave the office, your dentist should discuss things you can do to maintain your dental and oral health. These include dietary habits and the correct ways to brush and floss your teeth.

The experienced dentists at Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville, NC, care for their patients in a relaxed and compassionate environment known as the “No Lecture Zone.” They offer everything from routine dental exams and preventive treatment to advanced cosmetic dentistry and restorative care. Call (704) 663-3300 or visit their website to learn more about the practice’s philosophy.