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Apart from at-home oral hygiene practices, visiting a dentist regularly is essential to keeping your smile healthy. In fact, every person should schedule exams and teeth cleanings every six months to stay ahead of cavities and prevent oral health issues from developing. However, if it’s been a while since your last checkup, you might have questions about what the process entails. To help you prepare for this routine appointment, review this brief guide on what to expect during a standard dental exam.

5 Parts to Expect at Your Next Dental Exam

1. General Health Review

At the beginning of the appointment, your dental team will review your updated medical information, such as new conditions you may have or prescriptions you may be taking. These details will let your dentist know if there are certain problems to look for. For instance, pregnant women have a higher risk of developing gingivitis.

2. Tooth Inspection

Once you’re in the chair, your dentist will closely examine every tooth to look for visible signs of damage, such as cavities, cracks, or chips. If you have existing dental work—such as tooth fillings—your provider will make sure they are in good condition.

teeth cleaningIf a more detailed look at your oral health is needed, your clinic may have you take a dental X-ray.  This safe process takes a picture of what’s happening inside your teeth and can reveal issues that may be responsible for oral pain.

3. Gum Health Assessment

In addition to your teeth, your dentist will check the appearance of your gums to screen for signs of gingivitis.

The team may also use a special tool to measure your gums. The measurements can show if the tissue is receding—a common sign of gingivitis or more advanced gum disease.

4. Teeth Cleaning

Routine teeth cleaning from a dentist is also needed to clear away the dangerous plaque and tartar that at-home brushing and flossing can’t remove. During the process, your provider will use special tools to carefully remove bacterial deposits that could contribute to future decay.

5. Smile Protection

After your teeth cleaning, your provider may apply treatments to further strengthen enamel against decay, such as fluoride or dental sealants.

If your exam revealed other oral health problems—such as cavities or infections—the dental team will discuss treatment options and arrange those appointments. Some minor treatments, such as tooth fillings, may be completed at the same time, depending on availability.

 

If you’re due for an oral exam, Waterford Dental Health will provide a comprehensive, yet stress-free experience. Backed with advanced tools and techniques, their New London County, CT-based dentists offer comfortable teeth cleanings and examinations. To learn more about the ways they can support your smile, visit this clinic online. For appointments, call (860) 447-2235.

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