Do Know What Happens During an Initial Oral Examination?

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our dentist doing oral examination

Scheduling an oral exam in Dearborn is one of the best actions you can take toward preventive health care. During this appointment, your dentist will perform an oral exam. They will begin by assessing your risk for potential dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease. They will check your face, neck, and mouth for abnormalities and take X-rays to examine areas within your mouth that are not visible to the naked eye. Your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth thoroughly. Your visit for an oral exam is an ideal time for you and your dentist or hygienist to discuss your oral hygiene habits and diet. They can demonstrate if you have questions or need clarity regarding brushing and floss techniques.

The Importance

You may be wondering why oral examinations are so important. For starters, scheduling an oral exam in Dearborn is not strictly for your oral health but also for your general well-being. Do you know that some signs and symptoms of certain systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and diabetes may first appear in your mouth? Your dentist or hygienist can find these indications of illness and recommend seeking professional help from a doctor. They can detect issues early on when they are most treatable. Not only that, an oral exam provides your dentist with the opportunity to offer care tips for your teeth.

How Often Should I Schedule an Oral Examination?

Please note that visiting your dentist for regular oral exams is essential, even with tooth loss. Only your dentist in Dearborn can provide an accurate answer, given that the frequency of visits is based on your oral health status. Generally, we recommend adults schedule routine oral exams at least every six months. These appointments help to maintain your oral health and the integrity of your replacement teeth.

Preparing for an Oral Exam

So, you have decided it is time to schedule a checkup, but you may have questions if it has been a while since your last appointment. You may be looking for a new dentist in your area. Ask your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers for some recommendations. When finding a dentist near you, some factors to consider would be the dentist’s location and involvement in your health plan. Remember, if you have concerns about receiving an oral exam, share them with your dentist or hygienist. They are always here to ensure you are comfortable and have a stress-free appointment. When you address any worries with a dental professional, they can offer different methods to make your appointment as positive as possible. One of these methods may be sedation dentistry. For more information regarding sedatives, consult our dental clinic near you to learn more.

What You Can Expect

When you visit your dentist in Dearborn, you can expect your oral exam to include the following:

  • An evaluation of your overall health and oral hygiene.
  • An evaluation of your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and bone disease.
  • An evaluation of your teeth to determine if tooth restoration or replacement is required.
  • An evaluation of your bite and assessment of your jaw.
  • Tooth stain and deposit removal.
  • A demonstration of proper cleaning techniques.
  • An assessment of your need for fluoride.
  • Dental X-rays or other diagnostic procedures.

Results

When your oral exam is complete, our dentist or hygienist will discuss their findings with you. It will include your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They will also discuss preventive measures you can implement into your daily routine to improve and protect your oral health. Our dentist will notify you when to schedule a follow-up visit. If you are at high risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or other issues with your oral health, your dentist in Dearborn or hygienist may suggest more frequent visits. If you require treatment, all procedures will be discussed during a consultation. If it has been over six months since your last oral exam, now is the time to schedule an appointment! Remember, prevention is better than a cure.