Your first trip to the dental office can be intimidating. Seeing a new dentist is a new experience, and not knowing what to expect can be stressful. General dental exams are an essential part of oral health. Below, you’ll find what you can expect at your first visit to help ease your nerves.

A Guide to Dental Exams

Oral Health Exam

First, a dental hygienist will take a general survey of your mouth. They’ll look for signs of decay and gum disease, oral cancer, and alignment issues like crossbite. They may perform X-rays as well to look at issues, such as un-erupted wisdom teeth. It’s a painless process, and they’ll share the information with the dentist.

Teeth Cleaning

A professional teeth cleaning at a dental office is essential to oral health. The dental hygienist will meticulously clean plaque from between each tooth and along the gum line. If there is tartar buildup, they’ll scrape it away. This is an important part of gum disease prevention. They may offer a fluoride treatment after to add a protective layer to your teeth’s enamel. There may be some slight sensitivity during the cleaning in a few areas.

Treatment Planning

After the cleaning, the dentist will discuss any issues they found. If there are cavities, they’ll suggest fillings or root canal therapy if the decay has entered the pulp chambers. Cosmetic solutions like crowns, dental implants, and dental bridges may be suggested for damaged or missing teeth. They’ll also share advice on lifestyle and dietary changes to improve your oral health. This is an excellent time to ask any questions and to schedule a second appointment at the dental office.

If you’re looking for a dental office in the Rochester, NY, area, turn to Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC. This practice has cared for patients for over 35 years and offers a variety of services at affordable prices. These dentists emphasize preventive dental care and dedicate time to educate their patients. Call (585) 247-7110 to schedule an exam and visit their website to explore their full scope of services.