What Is a Dental Exam?
Dental exams and cleanings are important for your overall health and can have a range of benefits. These include reducing your risk of heart disease, preventing tooth decay, and removing built-up stains. In addition to cleaning your teeth, they also help shine your smile.
Here are common procedures associated with dental exams:
- dental cleaning
- full-mouth debridement
- oral hygiene instructions
- panoramic X-rays
- scaling and root planing
- 2D oral or facial photos
- FMX
Dental x-rays
Dental x-rays are used to diagnose many dental problems. They can detect decay between teeth, changes in the root canal and bone, and even certain types of tumors. They can also be helpful in diagnosing the condition of your teeth before dental procedures. A dental x-ray is also helpful for detecting impacted teeth if you have any.
Dental x-rays can be performed every six months or every two years, depending on your overall health. If you’ve had no dental disease in the past, you may only need an X-ray every couple of years. New patients may also get baseline X-rays during their initial exam, which allows the dentist to assess the condition of their teeth. However, if there’s evidence of dental disease or extensive decay, a full series of X-rays will be recommended.
X-rays can be of two types: periapical x-rays, which are taken from within the mouth, and panoramic x-rays, which show the entire mouth. Panoramic x-rays are used to check the position of wisdom teeth, plan for dental implants, and detect jaw problems.
Professional teeth cleaning
The dentist’s professional teeth cleaning is a preventive treatment to control gum disease and tooth decay. The process is quick and painless. When left untreated, plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, creating a hard, sticky film. This debris creates the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Eventually, the bacteria produce acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease. If the condition is not controlled, the gums can even become infected.
The dental professional will use special instruments to remove the buildup from your teeth and gums. The professional will also polish the enamel to make it look whiter and feel smoother.
Periodontal pockets
A dentist will examine your gums during a dental exam to determine if you have periodontal pockets. The depth and shape of the pockets are important factors to determine whether you need periodontal treatment. The size of the pockets and the condition of the surrounding bone can also help determine the type of treatment. If the pockets are small, treatment may consist of professional cleanings or aggressive at-home oral hygiene practices. Your dentist will likely recommend daily brushing and antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent gum inflammation.
Periodontal pockets are narrow crevices that exist between your teeth and gums. A healthy pocket is between one and three millimeters deep, but a depth of four or more indicates that you may have gum disease. Your dentist will use this measurement to determine if you need root planing or scaling to correct the condition.
Diagnostic tests
Dental diagnostic exams lay the foundation for future treatment. They include an in-depth examination of the patient’s teeth, gums, and jaw. The most comprehensive of these exams take an overall look at the oral cavity. According to the Canadian Dental Association, the purpose of these exams is to find out whether any problems are arising.
During the exam, a dentist will ask you questions about changes in your mouth, palpate your gums, and examine your mouth with a Periodontal probe. If abnormalities are discovered during the exam, the dentist may take X-rays to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Benefits of Dental Exams and Cleanings
Reduces risk of heart disease
Studies have shown that regular dental exams and cleanings can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Professional tooth scaling and cleanings reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to inflammation and heart disease. Researchers from Taiwan found that people who had frequent dental cleanings had a 13 percent lower risk of a heart attack and a 24 percent lower risk of a stroke. They did not take into account other risk factors such as smoking or weight.
People with heart conditions have special needs when it comes to dental care. They should consult with their cardiologist before having dental treatment. They should avoid taking anticoagulants, as these can cause excessive bleeding during oral surgery. And they should also make sure to receive nitroglycerin and oxygen in case of a medical emergency.
Researchers found that people with fewer teeth were 2.5 times more likely to have congestive heart failure than people with more teeth. Those who had the most gum bleeding were also 2.1 times more likely to have a stroke. These findings are promising, but more research is needed.
A study in Taiwan followed over 100,000 people for seven years. They found that people with diabetes who received regular dental exams and cleanings saved $549 on their total healthcare costs, while those with coronary artery disease saved an additional $866. The benefits of regular preventive dental visits are significant and may even make preventive dental care more affordable.
Researchers have long known that periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis, affects the cardiovascular system. When this happens, bacteria from the gums and the plaque in the mouth enter the bloodstream, affecting other parts of the body, including the heart. The bacteria can cause inflammation and other problems.
While it’s impossible to reduce the risk of heart disease completely, regular dental exams and cleanings are important for people with heart disease. Proactive dental care can reduce your risk of heart disease by combating harmful bacteria that could be lurking inside your mouth. The study also found that dental cleanings can decrease inflammation associated with gum disease.
Prevents tooth decay
Regular dental exams and cleanings are vital to the prevention of tooth decay. The dentist can use a variety of tools and procedures to clean the teeth and prevent tooth decay. One of these tools is laser tooth cleaning. This procedure is fast and painless, and it is extremely effective.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is present in water and food in varying concentrations. It has been shown to protect against tooth decay and to help prevent cavities. Its benefits have been recognized for over 50 years and have been supported by many health organizations. In addition to regular dental cleanings and exams, fluoride-containing toothpastes are also popular.
X-rays are another way to check for cavities. The dentist can use fluoride treatments to help treat cavities, and x-rays can detect bone loss, gum disease, and cavities. Digital radiography also reduces the amount of radiation that a dental X-ray uses by 80-90%.
Proper brushing and flossing are essential to preventing tooth decay. Daily rinsing with antiseptic or fluoride-containing mouthwash can also help protect the teeth from plaque. Limiting the amount of sugary foods that you consume can also help prevent tooth decay. Additionally, dental sealants can help protect the back teeth from decay.
Regular dental exams and cleanings help to detect any problems early, as well as educate you on proper oral care practices. It’s recommended that adults have dental exams and cleanings every six months. More frequent exams can prevent more serious oral problems like periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and infection. If ignored, it can cause significant damage. With regular visits, your dentist will be able to spot any problems that need to be addressed.
Removes built-up stains
Professional dental cleaning is an important step in maintaining a healthy mouth, as it removes build-ups of tartar, plaque, and fresh stains from the teeth. The procedure is most effective for healthy adults whose teeth have not yet suffered from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or bone loss. The process depends on the type of stain.
Shines your smile
Regular dental exams and cleanings are important for the health of your teeth and gums. Getting a professional cleaning twice a year will remove plaque that you may not be able to brush or floss away. Regular cleanings are also necessary for people with gum disease.
Besides regular cleanings, regular dental exams and x-rays are necessary for your oral health. They will keep your gums healthy and your teeth bright. Preventative cleanings are also crucial to prevent cavities and gum disease. A professional dental exam will help determine if you have any dental problems before they develop into serious ones.
Dental Exam Near Me
Dental exams are an important part of preventative care. While not a large expense, it is a smart idea to maximize your spending. Find a dentist you can see on a regular basis and one that is within your budget.
At Sbenati Dentistry we are dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible care and we are confident that you will be satisfied with the results.
How Do Dental Exams Services For Children Work?
You may wonder, How do dental exam services for children work? The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums by laying them on his or her knees. The parent will hold the child while the dentist examines their teeth. The novelty of this situation will prevent any tears during the exam.
Preventing tooth decay
Having regular dental exams for children can be a valuable way to keep your child’s teeth healthy. If cavities are a problem, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants. Regular checkups should begin as soon as your child is one year old or when their first tooth comes in.
Children’s teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay caused by food and drink. The bacteria that live in the mouth convert natural sugars in food and drinks into acids, which eat away at the outer layer of the teeth. Leaving untreated, cavities can turn into major epidemics.
The good news is that most cavities can be prevented with proper care and a healthy diet. Good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice a day, is essential for healthy children. A professional cleaning at the dentist every six months will detect and treat tooth decay before it becomes serious.
Finding oral health problems
Dental exams for children are a great way to discover oral health issues early on. The dentist will evaluate a child’s teeth, mouth development, and bite, and can recommend orthodontic treatment if necessary. The dentist will also screen for oral cancer by checking inside the mouth and feeling under the jaw and along the sides of the tongue and roof of the mouth. Children’s teeth and gums can grow quickly, so it is important to schedule regular dental visits to keep them healthy.
Poor oral health can lead to pain and infection, which can adversely affect a child’s development. In addition, children suffering from oral health problems are likely to miss school, which can affect their ability to learn. As a result, finding oral health problems during dental exams for children is essential to ensure that a child is not missing school due to pain.
A dental chair is not necessary during an oral health screening, but it is helpful for the child and the professional to sit face-to-face during the visit. The child’s head should rest against the health professional’s abdomen and face the parent. If a child is too young to sit, they can lie flat on an examination table in front of their parent. In these cases, the parent can help them position themselves so that the examiner can view their teeth.
Taking x-rays
During a dental exam for children, a dentist may take x-rays to check for any decay or cavities. These images help dentists identify problems in the mouth before they cause major problems. However, the dentist must decide how often to take x-rays. The frequency varies depending on the condition of the child’s mouth.
The amount of radiation received during a dental X-ray is relatively low. Modern X-ray equipment allows dentists to focus the beam on a specific area, so exposure is kept to a minimum. Additionally, pediatric dentists use lead aprons and shields to protect the face of their patients.
The Government of Canada recognizes the concerns of parents about their children’s X-ray exposure. The agency also recommends special settings for children. In addition, health professionals are encouraged to follow the ALARA principle when it comes to radiation dosage. Furthermore, digital X-ray technology allows for extremely low exposure.
Schedule an appointment
Visiting a dentist is good practice for young children. The dentist will examine teeth and gums to determine the health of the teeth and gums. They may also apply sealants and fluoride to the teeth. The dentist may also talk about oral hygiene and how to floss properly. Additionally, he or she may also discuss tobacco use and substance abuse risks.
Your child should visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Your child should get dental x-rays every 12 months so that the dentist can check for signs of tooth decay. Additionally, it will help your child avoid getting cavities. In addition to checking teeth and gums, a dentist will evaluate a child’s overall health and dietary habits.
You should start your child’s dental exams at age one to prevent tooth decay. By age three, children have 20 primary teeth, which means that they can have a mouth full of decay. The last milk teeth won’t come out until they are in their early teens. If your child has dental decay at this young age, it could result in dental pain and infection. If left untreated, these problems could develop into major problems, requiring invasive treatments.
At Sbenati Dentistry we provide our patients with the best possible emergency dental care and satisfaction with the results. As a full service dental office in London, Ontario, no matter what your dental needs are, our team of dentists is here to help. Please call (519) 474-0220 to book your appointment today!
