Dental Exams

What to Expect During a Dental Exam

When you visit Northside Dental Group for a dental exam, you can expect personalized care and attention to detail. A typical dental exam includes the following components:

1. Thorough Oral Examination  

Your dentist will visually inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, damage, or gum disease. This step often involves checking for cavities, assessing gum health, and inspecting fillings, crowns, or other restorative dental work to ensure their integrity.

2. X-Rays (if necessary)  

Dental X-rays may be taken during your exam to provide detailed images of your teeth and surrounding structures. These images are useful for detecting issues that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, or early signs of bone loss.

3. Oral Cancer Screening  

Early detection is vital for successful treatment of oral cancer. That’s why our dentists perform a quick but thorough oral cancer screening during dental exams, checking for unusual lumps, sores, or discoloration in your mouth, tongue, or throat tissues.

4. Gum Health Evaluation  

Your gums are just as important as your teeth regarding oral health. We will assess the health of your gums by looking for signs of inflammation, recession, or periodontal disease. Healthy gums are crucial for a strong foundation for your teeth.

5. Professional Cleaning (if part of the visit)  

Often, we pair dental exams with professional teeth cleaning. While not always included, we strongly recommend combining these services for a more comprehensive prevention routine. During cleaning, our hygienists will remove plaque and tartar buildup to help prevent decay and gum disease.

6. Personalized Recommendations  

At the end of your dental exam, your dentist will provide treatment recommendations tailored to your oral health needs. Whether that includes additional treatments, lifestyle changes, or at-home care advice, you’ll leave with a clear plan for maintaining or improving your dental health.

How Often Should You Have a Dental Exam?

For most patients, we recommend scheduling a dental exam every six months. However, some individuals may require more frequent visits due to specific conditions such as gum disease, a history of cavities, or ongoing orthodontic treatment. Our team will work with you to determine the perfect schedule based on your needs.

Benefits of Regular Dental Exams

Routine dental exams offer countless benefits for your oral and overall health, including:

• Prevention of Serious Conditions: Identifying early signs of dental problems can prevent them from becoming more serious and costly.
• Improved Oral Hygiene: Regular exams and cleanings help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, contributing to cavities and gum disease.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that professionals monitor your oral health gives you confidence in your smile and overall well-being.
• Early Detection of Systemic Issues: Oral health can affect your general health, and dental exams can sometimes reveal symptoms of systemic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.