Dental Exams
Comprehensive Dental Exams
Your oral health is among the most important aspects of your overall health, and one of the best ways to ensure proper oral health is with the help of a comprehensive routine dental exam. Ideally, you will see your dental professional twice a year for an exam and cleanings.
Your everyday brushing is good for your teeth, but it’s not enough to keep them as healthy as they need to be. Brushing and flossing are recommended at least twice a day for two minutes, but you still need to see your dentist to ensure your teeth are being cleaned in places your toothbrush and floss might not reach.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Exams
Many people fail to realize there are more than a few benefits to regular dental exams. You aren’t going to the dentist just for a cleaning. You’re going to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and in good condition, and there are several benefits associated with that.
01 - Financial
If you see your dentist twice a year, you’re less likely to have excessive oral health issues that incur big bills. Most dental insurance programs cover the cost of twice-yearly trips to the dentist. However, forgoing those appointments can mean that you are allowing oral health issues to grow worse, and that can become costly. The earlier a problem is caught by the dentist, the less expensive it is to fix the problem.
02 - Your Future Health
Did you know your oral health is linked to your health later in life? Gum disease can enter your blood, and it can increase your risk of devastating health problems later in life. Poor oral health can increase your risk of preterm labor in pregnancy, of certain forms of cancer, heart disease, heart attack, and even stroke.
What to Expect at your Appointment
When you see your dentist regularly, your appointment is seamless. You’ll talk about any concerns you have prior to your dentist looking at your teeth. If you have issues, discuss them. If you don’t, your appointment will look like this.
Your dentist appointment might not be your favorite day of the year, but it takes less than an hour twice a year to check for oral health problems. These appointments might save your health, your money, and your future. Contact Wilson Dental today to schedule your next dental appointment.
Medical History
Your doctor will discuss with you any medical history issues you have or your family members might have. Remember, some health issues are hereditary, and knowing this helps your dentist know what to look for.
Tooth Decay
Your dentist will look in your mouth to decide if tooth decay might be an issue you’re dealing with. Cracked and damaged teeth are assessed, if they are present.
Gum Disease
While examining your mouth, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease. This process involves looking at the area around your gums and teeth to check for any evidence of this problem, and it will be discussed if it’s found.
Examination of any other issues
This is typically when your dentist looks at any other dental work you’ve had done to see if everything is in working order or if you need additional dental work. This does not apply to anyone who doesn’t have dental work already.
X-Rays
Your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth to check for additional issues. This is not always something your dentist will do at every appointment, but they are likely going to do this at least once a year.