Even with good at-home dental hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings are essential to maintain good oral and overall health. According to dental experts, an individual with good oral health should schedule at least two dental exams and cleanings per year. If you have an existing dental issue or are at a higher risk of developing dental problems, you may need more than two dental exams per year. For dental exams and cleaning in Dallas, TX, contact Trinity Dental Loft.
When looking to schedule a dental exam, it’s crucial that you find a dentist who you’re comfortable working with. This will make the sessions comfortable and more fruitful. Once you identify a good dentist, the next step is to schedule a check-up as soon as possible.
If it’s your first meeting with the dentist, they will take a few minutes to learn about your health history, both oral and overall body health. They may ask you about any oral conditions, medication, existing restorations, and much more. If you’re on a subsequent visit, your dentist will also review your current health.
Make sure you tell them if your health status has changed, regardless of how minor the change can be. After that, the dentist will begin the physical exam. It’s worth noting that the procedures used during the exam might vary from patient to patient or office to office.
The dentist will begin the exam by checking your oral structures for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions. They may look for signs such as plaque and tartar buildup, inflamed gums, dark spots on the teeth, and much more. The primary reason for a dental exam is to identify and treat dental issues as soon as possible.
If necessary, the dentist may take x-rays to have a detailed understanding of your mouth. Furthermore, some dentist offers oral cancer screening. The dentist checks the patient’s jaw, tongue, cheeks, roof, floor of the mouth, neck, throat, and gums for early signs of oral cancer. The dentist is likely to look for signs such as:
The good thing about oral cancer is that it’s treatable if diagnosed early. If you are at a high risk of developing oral cancer, you should discuss with your dentist to have regular oral cancer screening. Signs you might need routine screening include:
After the exam, the dentist begins the cleaning process. The cleaning may vary depending on the results of the exam. For instance, if you have gum disease, the dentist may perform scaling and root planing. To remove the tartar and plaque buildup, the dentist uses a special tool called a scaler. The scaler can either be manual or ultrasonic. The dentist then flosses the teeth to remove any leftover plaque or tartar.
After cleaning, the dentist uses a handheld electric tool and a special toothpaste to get rid of stains. The teeth are then polished. If the patient has stubborn stains, the dentist may recommend teeth whitening.
Some dentists include fluoride treatment as part of their dental exams and cleanings. The dentist puts a fluoride gel inside a mouthpiece and gives it to the patient to wear.
Before releasing you, the dentist will take a few minutes to discuss the findings. If they discover any signs of oral problems, they will create a treatment plan. If you need further help, the dentist will refer you to a specialist.
A patient’s experience in a dental exam may vary depending on the procedures carried out. For instance, a patient who undergoes root planing and scaling is likely to feel more discomfort after the exam than a patient who doesn’t undergo that procedure.
Generally, dental exams and cleanings are painless and usually very quick. You should notify your dentist if you experience any disturbing side effects such as pain, swelling, and bleeding. For an emergency dentist in Dallas, contact Trinity Dental Loft.
To maintain good oral health, you must also practice good at-home dental habits. These include:
Are you looking for a dental exams and cleanings dentist in Dallas, TX, 75208? Contact Trinity Dental Loft.