How often do I need an oral exam? If you want to maintain a good oral health routine, you should visit your dentist at least 2 times per year. During these exams, your dentist will check to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy to prevent having any dental disasters later. Your dentist will discover if you have any cavities that require filling, plaque that needs to be removed, damage to your teeth, and gum issues. Your dentist will also note the general position of your teeth.
Request an AppointmentWhat happens during an oral exam? Your dentist and hygienist will begin with questions about your overall health and dental history. A visual examination of your mouth, face, and neck will help determine if there are any signs of inflammation. Inflammation could be a sign of oral cancer. If this is your first visit to the dentist, a more in-depth set of questions will be required so there is a complete record for your files. Park Meadows Dental wants to get to know you personally and help keep your teeth and gums stay healthy.
During your exam, your dentist may request x-rays to further investigate any suspected dental issues. The x-ray images allow your dentist to see deep into the structure of your teeth to discover if there is any decay, fractures, bone loss, impacted teeth or abscessed teeth. At Park Meadows Dental, we use digital x-ray technology which allows your appointment to be quick yet accurate. An inspection of your entire mouth will take place including your tongue, palate, and upper and lower jaw. Your dentist will check for any unusual signs of inflammation or bleeding.
How long does a dental exam take? Your initial dental exam will take approximately one hour. If something is discovered that requires attention, you will be asked to come back for a second appointment. Park Meadows Dental wants to make sure your entire family has great oral health and recommends having your children visit the dentist prior to their first birthday. Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, it is important to visit your dentist to ensure your artificial teeth are fitting as they should and your gums are healthy.
During your appointment, your dentist may request a dental impression to help aid in specific treatments. Dental impressions are made to evaluate your bite, prepare a mouth guard, make a denture, construct a bridge or crown or make bleaching trays. To make a dental impression you will have a couple of horseshoe trays inserted into your mouth with a gelatin-like substance in them. You will gently bite down so an impression of your teeth will be used to construct the specific device you need. This commonly used process helps ensure your corrective devices are custom fit to your mouth.
You don’t need to be anxious about visiting your dentist at Park Meadows Dental. With our highly trained professionals, your dentist appointment will be warm and inviting. We want you to have a beautiful, healthy set of teeth. Visit us or call today to set up an appointment, we always welcome new patients.
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