Dental Exam A dental examination is an important part of preventive dentistry that we carry out at Avery Dental Center. It is key if you want to maintain your oral health and prevent major problems. With modern technology, such as x-rays and other tools, our team can see everything happening inside of your mouth. Thus, if you have any dental health issues, we can detect them and get you started on the right treatment to prevent them from becoming worse. An oral examination can not only monitor the health of your teeth and gums, but also other medical concerns such as diabetes. This is because many patients with diabetes experience dry mouth (xerostomia) and have trouble with bad breath or halitosis due to the malfunction of the salivary glands when there are high levels of blood sugar in the body. Thus, an examination of your mouth can also be helpful in maintaining your general health too. What to Expect During a Mouth ExaminationThe dentist will take the time to get a detailed understanding of your medical and dental histories. They may also want to know about any medications you are taking, as these can have an impact on oral health. For example, some medications cause dry mouth which is one reason why gum disease develops so easily in our mouths when saliva isn't present. During the examination, the mouth, teeth, and gums are looked at closely by the dentist for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. They will also examine the roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks and lips, and underneath the tongue to look for signs of other issues, including oral cancer. The dentist will also take a good look at your bite and jaw alignment for any potential problems. They will note habits such as smoking or grinding your teeth, which may be contributing factors to oral health problems. The evaluation of this information is crucial because it helps to determine the cause of any issues, and furthermore, the best way to treat them. Finally, any prosthetics may need to be adjusted or replaced if they are not fitting well enough for your mouth. This is also the time when tooth replacements and restorations will be assessed as needed in order to create a better-looking and healthier smile. X-RaysX-rays are performed on new patients to ensure that there are not any hidden injuries or illnesses within the mouth which cannot otherwise be seen with just a visual exam alone. For older patients, x-rays may be taken regularly to monitor the progression of, for example, bone loss if you have periodontal disease. Modern, digital x-rays are far less harmful than older x-rays, so the risk from radiation exposure is low. However, do talk over any anxieties you have. Once you have undergone your oral examination, we will recommend treatments to help with any health issues we have discovered. These can range from simple preventive measures or a long-term treatment plan that tackles all of your dental health needs. For further information about dental exams at Avery Dental Center call us at (380) 257-1684 to schedule an appointment. |
