Some people think going to a dentist for a dental checkup is a hassle, so they skip their twice-a-year dental medical examination. Getting your teeth checked helps prevent serious issues, or treat diseases during their early stages.
People suffer from anxiety and fear at the thought of vising a dentist. Images of a painful procedure bombard people’s minds and fear their worst worries will come true. All that isn’t true, though because dentists are skillful and experienced in treating patients and easing their anxieties.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect while getting your teeth checked by a dental hygienist.
Purpose Of Dental Exams
Dental exams evaluate a patient’s overall oral hygiene and check for injuries in the tooth, gums, and bones. The dentist also evaluates the risk of oral diseases and can only treat your pain or upon examining your teeth.
Most exams last about 45-60 minutes and entails cleaning a patient’s teeth thoroughly to prevent illnesses. If your dentist detects an issue during the examination, he/she will discuss it with you first before taking further steps.
What Checkups Include
Inspection
This is when the dentist uses an angled mirror to inspect teeth, gums, and jaws for warning signs of cavities, worn-off enamel, or dentin. A routine dental exam also includes identifying complications related to gums, for instance, swelling, soreness, or redness. Your dentist will also measure the periodontal pockets to find signs of periodontitis, gum disease.
Professional Cleaning & Polishing
A dentist annd/or a hygienist deep clean teeth. They scrape off the tartar, plaque, and food particles from teeth surfaces and finish by using a flossing or scraping tool. Finally, they polish teeth to leave teeth smoother and shinier.
Checking For Cancer
You may not notice the initial stages of oral cancer; therefore, your dentist will have a look at your mouth for signs of mouth or throat cancer. The underlying symptoms of cancer include sores, mouth ulcers, lesions and unexplained bleeding. If your dentist suspects cancer, then he/she may suggest you get an x-ray.
Taking X-Rays
Dentists rely upon x-rays to detect problems the naked eye can’t see. You don’t need to worry; dental x-rays are much safer nowadays. Using the x-ray, your doctor can spot tooth and gum problems, and diseases like cancer.
What Should You Do Before The Dental Exam?
You need to relax before the exam. Most people suffer from anxiety, think of visiting a mental health professional. You can also speak with your dentist about sedation treatment to ease the process.
Dental Exams in NC
Here is some vital information that you need to know before considering a comprehensive dental exam. By letting you inform these, we aren’t trying to scare you but help you understand what dental exams are why you need them. If you are looking to get your dental exams done in Charlotte, NC, consult Icard & Strein Family Dentistry’s website or call us on 704.455.5003.
Our Harrisburg NC Dentist Office
To learn more about dental treatments from Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call our Harrisburg, NC dental office today at 704.455.5003.
