What Happens at a Routine Dental Exam?
Many people wish to avoid the dentist because they have fears and anxiety regarding painful, invasive dental treatments. While we take great care to ensure that patients stay comfortable throughout all dental treatments, the truth is that some procedures are more intensive than others. However, with proper dental care, most patients can avoid the need for these restorative dental treatments. With routine general dentistry services to diagnose and treat the teeth, gums, and jaw, most patients are able to prevent serious oral health concerns. While there are many steps that patients can take to ensure that the teeth, gums, and jaw remain healthy, none are more important for our Edmonton patients than dental exams. Recommended at least twice yearly, dental exams allow Dr. Nathanial Podilisky to keep an eye on patients’ oral health and treat any threatening conditions before they have the chance to fully develop.
What Takes Place at a Dental Exam?
Although a dental exam is a routine and pain-free procedure, it still produces anxiety in a great number of patients. Most of this fear seems to stem from the unknown. Even though patients are aware that routine dental exams are recommended, there are many who don’t really know what they involve. A basic dental exam can be broken down into three parts: examination of the teeth, teeth cleaning, and discussion of a dental care plan.
- Examining the teeth: As the term implies, a dental exam will involve a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, and jaw. This involves not only a visual examination, but also digital images and x-rays (which are typically taken once a year). This examination allows Dr. Podilsky to look for signs of oral health problems such as tooth decay, erosion, and periodontal disease.
- Cleaning the teeth: Ideally, all patients are brushing their teeth a minimum of twice a day and flossing each night. Realistically, we know that this is not always the case, and even when it is, plaque and calculus still tend to build up around the teeth and gums, particularly in places that are difficult to reach. A dental cleaning will involve removal of built up plaque and tartar, flossing of the teeth, and polishing. In cases in which it is necessary, a fluoride treatment may also be performed.
- Creating a dental care plan: The final step of any dental exam will be the creation of a treatment plan. If any oral health concerns are present, the dental care plan will involve the possible treatments that can eliminate the condition. For patients who are diligent about maintaining twice-yearly dental exams, oral health is likely to be good and the dental care plan will consist of scheduling your next dental exam.
Benefits of Dental Exams
While dental exams are a part of our general dentistry services, in the best-case scenario, these exams are actually preventative dentistry tools. Dental exams help patients to maintain good oral health and allow any dental problems to be diagnosed and treated before they ever turn into a real area of concern.
Schedule an Appointment
Routine dental exams are just the beginning of the dental services offered by Dr. Nathanial Podilsky and his staff. If you are concerned with the health of your teeth or the appearance of your smile, we can help you. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to discuss your oral health and cosmetic goals. We can help you turn your dream smile into a reality!
