What Happens During a Dental Exam

What is a Dental Exam?

A dental examination means inspecting your teeth and gums. Most kids and adults should visit the dentist every six months for a checkup. The preservation of dental health requires these examinations. If not treated right once, oral health issues can develop into uncomfortable and dangerous issues.

Both our dentist and a dental hygienist typically perform teeth exams. An expert in treating teeth and gums is a dentist. A dental hygienist is a medical specialist who has received training in cleaning teeth and assisting patients in upholding appropriate oral hygiene practices. Children frequently visit pediatric dentists even though dentists may treat patients of all ages. Dentists that specialize in providing dental care for children are known as pediatric dentists.

What does a Dental Exam consist of?

Typically, the routine tooth cleaning appointment also includes a dental examination. Our dentist will ask you about any underlying medical conditions and check for oral cancer, tooth decay, and gum disease during the teeth examination. Some lifestyle choices can affect oral health, our dentist or dental hygienist may also discuss them. To examine areas that are not apparent to the human eye, dentists take x-rays of the mouth.

It is crucial to check for oral health problems such as bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and others because they may exist without showing symptoms or indicators like pain or discoloration.

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

Dental visits are not a pleasant experience for many people. However, regular dental check-ups can save your time and money in the long run as you can prevent serious oral health issues. If you follow the dentist’s instructions and take the required preventative measures, you can maintain good oral health without much hassle.

One of the most common purposes for visiting your dentist is for periodic check-ups. In this article, we explain the importance of a dental examination procedure and what to expect during it.

Importance of a Dental Check-up

A dental exam is important because it can detect problems with your teeth, gums, and jaw in a timely manner. The dentist will inspect your teeth for cavities, bone loss, gum disease, or other problems. They will also look at your neck to check for signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

The Procedure

An orthodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon, or general dentist can perform a teeth exam. The dentist will typically inspect the teeth and gums to detect any problems.

Using a dental probe, the dentist will first examine your teeth for any signs of decay. They will also check for cavities or any other dental issues. Next, they will polish your teeth with a polishing tool to remove plaque and food debris. Finally, they will use an ultrasound machine to take x-rays of your teeth and gums.

A typical teeth exam in Seattle includes:

A check-up of the teeth and gums to identify cavities, remove plaque build-up, and take x-rays if needed
Checking for signs of periodontal (gum) disease and evaluating the condition of your teeth
Masking any tooth that has been recently filled or repaired with a crown to avoid any damage or infection that may arise from disruption of the filling or root canal sealant
Examining the hard tissues in the mouth for signs of cancer

How to Prepare for a Dental Examination Procedure

A dental exam can cause anxiety in some people, which is expected because many associate visits with discomfort or pain. It is significant to note that the dental examination procedure in itself does not necessarily have to be painful or difficult. If you already follow a proper routine, your check-up is mostly likely to go smoothly.

In case, the dentist does determine oral issues, they can suggest various dental treatments.

How much does a Dental Exam cost?

Given how important it is for your overall oral health, a dental exam is surprisingly affordable. During a standard checkup, our affordable dentist in Seattle can identify a range of oral issues that are easier to treat (and less expensive) when caught early.

Regular teeth exams can range in price from free to roughly $550, depending on your area and a number of other variables.

If you have enough dental health insurance, your routine exams can be completely covered. Additionally, your insurance may pay for yearly x-rays and other preventative care services. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to pay for your visit out of cash.

After the Dental Exam

When your teeth are finally clean and as healthy as they can be, it is time to take some precautions to ensure that they stay that way. To limit bacteria from spreading in the mouth, one should avoid eating solid foods for one hour following the exam.

It is also recommended to swish with water or mouthwash following the procedure. Additionally, avoid using any tobacco products for 24 hours following an examination. Furthermore, follow any instructions provided by your dentist.

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