Dental Exams for All Needs

An essential part of Preventative Care, the routine dental checkup is something most of us are familiar with. Typically recommended every six months, this examination helps in the early detection and prevention of more serious dental ailments.  The dentist checks for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential issues. X-rays might be taken once a year to inspect areas not visible to the naked eye. The goal is to catch and address problems early on before they escalate. This proactive approach not only saves potential discomfort and expense later on, but also ensures our smiles remain radiant and healthy.

While the routine checkup is like a regular health checkup, the comprehensive dental examination is a deep dive. Typically done if you're seeing a new dentist or if it’s been a long time since your last visit, this exam is thorough. The dentist evaluates the health of your teeth, gums, jaw, and even the neck. Oral cancer screenings might be conducted, and a full set of x-rays might be taken. It provides a complete overview of your oral health, helping the dentist devise a tailored dental care plan for you.

Your teeth might be in pristine condition, but what about the gums holding them? The periodontal examination focuses on the health of your gums. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. Symptoms might include bad breath, red or swollen gums, or even loose teeth. This exam helps in early detection and treatment. It's crucial because untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other health complications.

This is a problem focused examination used when you are experiencing pain or discomfort. An emergency dental exam focuses on the problem area and may also include digital x-rays of the specific area of the mouth. The goal of an emergency dental exam is to address an acute issue, and to diagnose and recommend treatment to alleviate pain, swelling, or possible infection. Depending on the type of issue, your dentist may be able to provide treatment on the same day, or may prescribe antibiotics to address an infection and to complete the treatment once the infection has cleared. It is important to note that an emergency exam is focused on one particular area of the mouth, and is different from a comprehensive oral exam or a regular oral exam both of which look at your whole mouth.