What You Should Expect During a Dental Exam

Dental exams are an essential part of your preventative dental care. They help prevent severe dental issues and complications by enhancing the provision of early treatments. Dentists recommend regular dental exams every six months to help maintain a healthy oral system.

Jasper Dental Exam specialist Eric Koch, DDS, provides extensive dental examinations to adult and children patients to ensure healthy smiles and strong teeth. Using quality and advanced techniques, the general dentist guarantees excellent and comfortable dental care. If you have not gone for your dental check-up recently, you might consider scheduling yours with the best at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas.

Here is what you should know about dental exams.

A dental exam is a dental procedure to check for the health of your teeth and gums. It points to your risks for dental issues, like gum disease and cavities, and treats them to prevent severe cases.

It involves your dentist evaluating your oral hygiene, bite and jaw problems, removing teeth stains and deposits, advising on therapeutic and preventive dental measures, diagnosis, and more. The appointment also gives you the chance to interact with your doctor and better understand your dental health.

A dental exam may involve different procedures depending on your symptoms, age, and health history. It may involve:

Digital Oral X-rays

Digital oral X-rays generate clear and visible pictures of your mouth, including the jaws, tooth roots, and alveolar bone. They help show dental issues that are invisible to the naked eye. The digital oral X-rays also apply in surgery planning and dental implant procedure.

Teeth Cleaning

Sometimes brushing your teeth twice a day may not be enough in removing the buildup on your teeth. Professional teeth cleaning involves an extensive cleaning procedure to remove all the tartar and plaque that a toothbrush might not reach in areas between your teeth and gums. It prevents plaque buildup which lowers your risk of gum disease.

Extractions

If your tooth has severe damage or infection, an extraction presents the best option for your dental health. It involves removing one or more teeth to prevent the disease from spreading to other teeth, therefore promoting dental health, and easing any discomfort.

Fillings

Fillings are a dental restoration method to repair injured tooth enamel. Your dental provider may use tooth-colored fillings to enhance a natural tooth enamel appearance. In addition, it promotes your smile's appearance.

Molar root canal

A molar root canal may be necessary in case of a deep cavity or an accident involving the mouth. The procedure involves removing the pulp, the tooth part responsible for feeling pain and thereby preventing an extraction.

Oral cancer screening

A dental exam is also critical for oral cancer screening. Dr. Koch uses an oral microscope to detect oral cancer, allowing the benefit of earlier and more effective treatment.

Dental restorations

If you have cracked or chipped teeth, your provider may suggest a dental restoration such as a crown.

After your dental exam results, your dentist schedules your next visit. Where your provider has found a problem, you may require additional dental visits in order to solve the dental issues that are discovered during bi-annual exams.

Consult a dental exam specialist today

According to the American Dental Association, a dental exam should occur every six months whether or not you have any dental issues. Beyond just your dental health, it is also ideal for your overall health. Contact Dr. Koch's office today to schedule your dental check-up.