Nobody wants to have a toothache or even a cavity. These are painful dental issues that can be prevented with regular dental exams. Dental exams should ideally be performed every six months, or more often if you have oral health issues.
Dental exams are essential for preventative care. At these exams, a dentist and hygienist will clean and examine your teeth and gums. They will look in your mouth and look for issues that can lead to serious problems if not treated promptly. Dental exams look for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and anything else that could compromise the health of your teeth and gums.
Is it time for your dental exam? If so, contact Galleria Dental of Alexandria today to schedule your appointment. Give our office a call.
The Process
A dental exam typically includes a checkup, a cleaning and sometimes X-rays. First, the dental hygienist will clean your teeth. He or she will use mirrors and scrapers to look inside your mouth and clean each tooth, removing plaque and tartar. Your gums will also be cleaned to remove plaque and prevent bleeding and inflammation.
The hygienist will also brush your teeth using an electric toothbrush with a special toothpaste to gently scrub your teeth. The next step is to floss your teeth. The hygienist will floss deep into your gums to remove plaque and debris. The final portion of the cleaning may include fluoride application. Adults typically do not get fluoride; this is reserved primarily for children, who tend to get more cavities.
Dental X-Rays
You may also have to take X-rays. X-rays are not required at every appointment; every 1-2 years is sufficient. There are two main types of X-rays: bitewings and full-mouth X-rays. Bitewings are typically done more often to check for cavities. For those, you will bite down on a small piece of plastic. The hygienist will take a picture.
The dentist will then perform a checkup of your mouth. He or she will assess your gums, teeth, tongue and other parts of your mouth to look for any issues. They will check your bite and see if there are any problems with alignment. If so, orthodontic work may be required. He or she will look at your X-rays and see if there any cavities or other areas of concern.
The dentist may also review your medical history. Certain medical conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, can affect your oral health. Also, if you have had surgeries, heart problems and immune system disorders, you may have to take antibiotics before your dental exam. Your dentist will need to be aware of these medical issues, so be honest.
Contact Our Office Today
Dental exams can protect your teeth and help identify any issues before they get worse. Give your teeth the quality care they deserve. Contact Galleria Dental of Alexandria today for a healthier smile for years to come. We offer gentle dentistry and personalized care. Schedule an exam today.