Dental Exam Near You
Most medical conditions, including dental ones, are best treated when they are detected in their early stages. Otherwise, momentum can be very difficult to stop.
The best way to spot early signs of dental trouble is to regularly undergo a professional dental exam near you.
What Are Dental Exams?
Dental exams are a routine type of dental appointment in which your dental hygienist will examine your teeth, mouth, and gums for signs of trouble so that any problems can be tackled at an early stage.
The frequency of your dental exams depends on the current state of your oral health. Some dentists recommend that those without ongoing dental problems take part in an annual or twice-yearly dental exam.
If you have a problem like gum disease, you may require more frequent dental exams and cleanings, such as scheduling a dental exam when needed.
Who Needs a Dental Exam?
Almost anyone can benefit from a regular dental exam. Even though you may be brushing and flossing at home, thinking that you would spot any early signs of trouble, you are not trained to know what to look for.
Some dental conditions can develop into a very serious stage before a layperson notices anything. Your dental team is trained to detect conditions like tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and more.
Periodic Dental Exam
At each of your dental exam appointments, a dental hygienist or dental technician will go over your medical history to see if any updates are needed.
Be sure to let your dentist know if you have started taking any new medications or if you have received a diagnosis for a medical condition since your last visit.
It’s a good idea to keep your health records up to date during every dental exam in Weymouth.
Visual Check and Explorer Use
Your dental hygienist or dentist will then conduct a visual examination of your mouth, including noting the condition of your teeth and gums. They will use an instrument called an explorer to examine each tooth.
They will be checking for signs of tooth decay and staining and gum recession and examining the perimeter of any existing dental fillings or crowns.
For these reasons, it’s essential not to delay your next dental exam near you.
X-Rays
If any concerning issues were spotted, your dentist may be asked to take a closer look. They may take X-rays to help them visualize any areas requiring attention.
Your dentist may employ different methods to help them detect any oral problems that you may have, including:
- A visual oral examination
- Dental x-rays
- Oral cancer screening
Oral Cancer Screening
As part of your dental exam, you may undergo an oral cancer screening. This may involve a basic visual exam to look for any evident lesions, discolorations, lumps, or other areas of concern.
By itself, an oral exam cannot make a final determination of the presence of cancer or rule it out. If your dental team detects an area of concern, they may want to obtain a biopsy, which can be sent to a laboratory for closer examination.
Some dentists provide a special type of cancer screening that includes the use of a special dye and light within the mouth for the detection of any tissue abnormalities that cannot be visibly detected during a conventional oral exam.
Take charge of your oral health today.
If it has been quite a long time since your last dental checkup, now is the right time to book an appointment for a dental exam in Weymouth, because early care leads to lasting smiles.
Accepting New Patients and Offering Dental Emergency Treatment
FAQ
A dental exam checks your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of cavities, disease, or other issues.
Typically, every six months, but your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if needed.
No, dental exams are painless and help prevent bigger dental problems.
Exams detect problems early, saving you from more extensive treatment later.