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What To Expect During a Dental Exam

May 24, 2021

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While routine dental cleanings and exams are an important part of sustaining your oral health, they are often overlooked or avoided. These appointments can help identify potential issues and reduce your risk of developing gum disease, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and prevent cavities from worsening. Knowing exactly what happens during a typical dental check-up can help ease anxieties individuals may face and fully understand why you should visit the dentist twice a year.

Dental X-Rays

For individuals with good oral health, dental x-rays are only recommended once a year. This is a completely safe process that can catch numerous issues that cannot be spotted by the naked eye like bone loss, oral abnormalities, tumors and cysts and more.

A Complete Cleaning

A dental hygienist will then perform a full cleaning of your teeth. During this, any built-up plaque and tartar around your gum line will be removed using a scaler. It is common for your gums to bleed during this part.

After the plaque and tartar have been removed, the dental hygienist will polish your teeth. This helps remove stains and also brighten your teeth. A professional flossing will finish up this cleaning.

A Comprehensive Examination 

Next, the dentist will examine your teeth and your dental x-rays. During this exam, the dentist is looking for cavities, impacted teeth, infections, gingivitis or periodontal disease. Signs for oral cancer are also being screened for. If the dentist sees oral health problems, those concerns will be addressed.

If it’s time for your next dental cleaning, give us a call or schedule an appointment through our website! Let us know if you experience any dental anxieties so we can be sure to address any concerns you may have.