Everything about a Dental Examination
A dental exam is a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s oral health and typically involves two primary components: a visual examination and dental X-rays.
During the visual examination, a dentist or dental hygienist will inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral infections. They will use a small mirror and a dental probe to examine your teeth and check for abnormalities. They may also evaluate the health of your gums by measuring the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth.
In addition to the visual examination, dental X-rays are often taken to provide a more detailed view of your oral health. X-rays can help identify problems that may not be visible during the visual exam, such as cavities between teeth or issues with the roots of teeth. These X-rays are usually taken once a year or as needed, depending on your dental history and risk factors.
Overall, a dental exam is a crucial preventive measure that allows dental professionals to detect and address oral health problems early, promoting optimal dental health and preventing more significant issues from developing.
What to expect for your new patient appointment at river district smiles dentistry?
At River District Smiles Dentistry, we understand how important it is for your new patient appointment to go as smoothly as possible. We do our best to provide you with the highest quality care and a comfortable atmosphere so that you feel safe and well taken care of throughout your visit.
What are the different types of dental examinations?
Which Exam Do I Need Today?Arrival
When you arrive for your first appointment, we will ask for some basic information from you. We will also take the time to introduce you to our office and staff, so that you feel comfortable with us during your visit. Once we have completed all necessary paperwork, we will begin your appointment.
Examination
During your first visit, one of our dentists or hygienists will perform an examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. We will take digital X-rays, review your medical history, and discuss any oral health concerns you may have. Then, depending on the results of your exam, we will provide you with a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs.
Goal
At River District Smiles Dentistry, our goal is for all of our patients to leave feeling satisfied and informed about their dental health. If you have any questions or concerns, our dentists and hygienists are always available to answer them. We look forward to providing you with the best care possible. Thank you for choosing River District Smiles Dentistry!
Different Types of Dental Examinations
It’s important to have regular dental examinations so that you can keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it can be hard to know which exam is right for you.
Here are different types of dental exams that can help meet your needs depending on what type of care you need:
Preventative Exam
A preventative dental exam focuses on detecting signs of decay or damage to the mouth before they become major problems.
This includes looking for cavities, checking existing fillings and crowns, assessing gum health with an oral cancer screening and x-rays if needed.
Emergency Exam
Emergency exams are used when patients experience sudden pain or unusual symptoms within their mouths that require urgent attention from a qualified professional such as tooth trauma from an accident causing broken/chipped teeth or excessive bleeding from swollen gums caused by severe infection.
Periodontal Exam
A periodontal exam is focused solely on evaluating the health of your gums by measuring their depth around each tooth (called pockets). Your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments such as an ultrasonic scaler or probes to measure these pockets to determine if any areas require further attention due to gum disease or infection.
