The importance of a dental exam often gets ignored. It can be easy to skip check-up appointments as life can get busy and most individuals think that at-home oral hygiene is enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, this misconception is far from the truth.
Dental exams give general dentists the opportunity to look at the teeth and gums, ensuring that they are in healthy condition. Careful steps will be taken to check each tooth and both sides of the gums. If there are any warning signs, then the appropriate measures can be taken to address them. Continue reading to learn more.
Below is a quick overview of how a dental exam can catch any oral health risks that may be existing. This information can be quite helpful to individuals who are unsure of what may come from an upcoming appointment.
When visiting a general dentist for an exam, there will be a few main warning signs that are checked for. The dentist will carefully examine all areas of the oral cavity using small dental tools. There is not any pain; however, it is a requirement to stay extremely still. Review some of the signs ahead of time as they may indicate whether or not treatment may be needed.
While there are a number of warning signs that may be indicated, the ones that are listed above are the most common. Inflammation, bleeding, and deep pockets may all relate to gum disease, which will require in-depth treatment to correct. In mild to moderate cases, a deep cleaning may be a solution. Grooves in the teeth, as well as any dark marks on the molars may indicate a tooth infection, which will likely lead to a cavity. If a cavity does appear, a filling, dental crown, or root canal may be needed to restore the tooth back to optimal condition.
Another part of undergoing a dental exam is getting x-rays. X-rays are images taken by a dentist to get a better look at the jawbone and roots of the teeth. Both components are not visible to the naked eye, which is why having x-rays taken is so important. X-rays may show different warning signs, such as build-up around the roots or movement in the jaw, both of which require the attention of a dentist.
Undergoing a dental exam on a regular basis is important in order to maintain good oral health. To find out more about how oral health risks are addressed by a general dentist, reach out today. The dentist can answer questions and go over any existing concerns. Reach out today to learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cottrellsmilesva.com or call Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates at (540) 808-1303 for an appointment in our King George office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Exam in King George, VA.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums does more than ensure a strong and beautiful smile. Proper routine dental care also helps lower the risks of developing many serious diseases, including certain cancers, heart problems, and diabetes. However, patients who struggle with dental anxiety may fail to stick with a regular cleaning and checkup schedule. As a…
General dentistry consists of a lot of routine oral health care, which also happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape due to damage. Common damage may include cracks, chips, or cavities, all of which can be addressed with the help of different dental restorations. Continue reading to find out what dental restoration…
A general dentist performs most of the treatments commonly used in dentistry. These oral professionals spend most of their time performing preventative treatments, like tooth cleanings, but they also perform more complex treatments, like root canals. A general dentist also serves as an educator, teaching patients how to properly take care of their teeth and…
Considering cosmetic dental work from a general dentist? Although cosmetic dentistry is its own field, general dentists also offer an array of procedures that can be used to improve the way that the teeth look. There are a lot of different procedures that can be performed in a general dentistry setting. Keep reading to find…
Dermal fillers are particularly popular for their effectiveness in softening wrinkles, lines, and folds that…
If you have recently gotten braces from the family dentist, you will probably be aware…
Trusting your smile to a dentist is a big commitment, so choosing the right type…
Extractions are typically recommended when other options are not enough to solve a patient’s problems.
Because Invisalign® is removable, wearers are encouraged to keep the actual piece in for 22…
A growing number of people are choosing dental veneers due to their popularity as a…
