What to Expect During a Comprehensive Dental Exam

Are you heading to the dentist for a checkup? A comprehensive dental exam is more than just poking around your teeth. Your dentist will give your whole mouth a thorough examination. From your gums to your jaw and even your neck, everything gets checked.

Medical History Review

Your dentist needs to know what is going on with your overall health. Why? Because your mouth is connected to the rest of your body.

You will fill out a form about your health history. It is best to be honest because your dentist needs to know about any medical conditions you have. Diabetes, heart problems, or even allergies can affect your oral health.

Are you taking any medications? If so, tell your dentist. Some can dry your mouth or affect your gums. Also, remember to mention any changes in your health since your last visit.

Visual Examination

Here are some areas you can expect your dentist to examine:

·      Your mouth, face, and neck — Dentists check the face and neck for unusual swelling or lumps. This is just a precaution. They want to ensure everything looks normal.
 

·      Your lips, the inner part of your cheeks, your tongue, and inside your mouth — Here, they are looking for signs of oral cancer or other issues.
 

·      Your teeth for cavities, gum disease, and previous dental work that might need fixing. They will also look at how your teeth fit together when you bite down.

This visual check might feel like your dentist is just poking around, but they are gathering a lot of important information about your oral health.

X-Rays

X-rays are a key part of a comprehensive dental exam. They let your dentist see what is going on under the surface of your teeth and gums. It is important to understand that dental X-rays are safe. The amount of radiation is tiny. Your dentist will cover you with a lead apron just to be extra careful.
 

There are different types of X-rays your dentist might take:

·      Bitewing: to check for cavities between teeth.

·      Periapical: to look at the whole tooth, from crown to root.

·      Panoramic: to see your whole mouth in one shot.

These help dentists spot problems that are not visible to the naked eye. Things like decay between teeth, problems below the gumline, or issues with your jawbone.

Cleaning and Polishing

Your dental hygienist will first use special tools to scrape off any tartar buildup. Tartar is that hard material that forms when plaque is present for too long. You cannot remove it by brushing at home, so do not feel bad if you have some.

Next comes flossing. Your hygienist will get between all your teeth, removing plaque or food particles hiding there. Then, they will use gritty toothpaste and a high-powered electric brush to make your teeth nice and smooth.

Finally, you might get a fluoride treatment. This helps strengthen your tooth enamel and fight off cavities.

A comprehensive dental exam is your ticket to a healthy mouth. Regular checkups catch problems early, saving you time, money, and toothache.

For more information on comprehensive dental exams, visit MAC Family Dentistry at our Mandeville, Louisiana, office. Call (985) 238-3797 to schedule an appointment today.

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health