Routine visits to the general dentistry office are important for your oral health. Those who have not visited the office in a long time may have forgotten what happens during the appointment. In this article, you will learn more about what happens during an oral examination from the general dentist.
Although the specific order is different in many dental offices, patients can expect to undergo a specific set of processes. The examination is meant to identify potential oral health issues and maintain the teeth and gum’s condition. The following is what happens during an oral exam at the general dentistry office:
Before beginning the exam, the dentist will ask for the patient’s dental and medical records. Patients need to mention any medication and any chronic disease that they might have. The dentist will use the information to identify any potential implications of the condition on oral health. The dental team will also be able to develop an optimal treatment plan for the patient. If the patient has visited the dentist before, they will likely want to know if there have been any changes since the last visit.
The dentist will look at the oral cavity to see if there are visible oral health issues. Patients can mention any symptom they might have noticed. The dentist will take x-rays of the teeth to discover issues like cavities and set the baseline for upcoming appointments. They will use the x-ray as a reference when examining the teeth and gums in another visit. X-rays can show anomalies, bone loss, gum disease, tumors, and cysts.
if the dentist does not detect any major issue that may prevent a cleaning, they will clean the oral cavity, including the gums. The cleaning removes debris and tartar, so every part of the teeth is visible during the visual examination.
The dentist will use a scaler to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums. They will also polish the teeth using gritty toothpaste and an electric toothbrush to make them shiny. The dentist may also recommend fluoride treatment to remineralize the enamel.
After the cleaning, the dentist will check for issues like gum disease, alignment issues, indications of teeth grinding, and other potential issues. Dental restorations such as fillings or crowns will also be inspected. The soft tissues of the oral cavity will also be screened for signs of oral cancer. At the end of the exam, the dentist will provide tips on maintaining a healthy smile, which includes brushing and flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dental office.
If you have not visited the dentist in a while, you might feel apprehensive about the visit. This is normal. Be sure to share your fears and concerns with the dentist during your visit to the general dentistry office. The dental professional will help you with the process and do their best to keep you comfortable. To schedule an appointment for an oral exam, contact the dental office.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.
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