What a Family Dentist Looks for During an Exam

Family Dentist Emerson, NJ

A dental checkup with a family dentist is one of the most important appointments to keep. The checkup is not just important for good oral health, but also for general wellbeing. This article explains what a family dentist checks for during a dental exam and checkup.

How a dental examination works according to a family dentist

For patients who have not undergone a dental exam in a while or are preparing for their first appointment, here is what one can typically expect.

A dental health review

Allergies, prescription meds, a new diet, or work schedules are all factors that can affect one’s oral hygiene and general wellbeing. Therefore, the family dentist will start with a thorough dental examination with a health review to help patients understand the factors that affect their teeth and help them realize the necessary precautions to take in order to stay healthy.

Dental cleaning

Before the dentist proceeds with a more comprehensive examination of the teeth and gums, they will examine the oral cavity and perform proper cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. The dentist will be checking for sores or swelling between and around the teeth and its supporting tissues, while carefully examining their condition.

Examination of the oral cavity

After the mouth is clean, the next step is a full dental exam. This is the stage where the dentist introduces dental mirrors. The dentist’s training, experience, and expertise come into play as they examine every structure of the oral cavity. It is not just about searching for issues with the teeth and gums but taking steps to prevent them as well. The dentist will search for every minor sign of possible gum disease, gum loss, or loose teeth, as well as any other issue that may affect oral health.

Dental tests and x-rays

If the dentist discovers any issues of note during the dental examination, additional tests will be done, x-rays may be taken if necessary, and treatments will be provided.

X-ray scans help the dentist review some of the parts of the oral cavity that are not visible to the naked eye, including the bone, jaw, and other anomalies under the visible gum line. The scan also provides a closer look at the density of the jawbone, bite alignment, and other aspects. Dental x-rays are necessary if there is any indication of oral cancer or teeth grinding. Decay between the teeth or around an old filling is hard to spot without an x-ray.

Get personalized recommendations for your oral health

For many people, a routine dental exam ends with a cleaner, brighter, and fresher smile. You have probably heard many of the usual reminders about keeping the teeth clean and healthy through proper oral health habits. Our family dentist will provide specific recommendations based on their findings during the exam to help maintain oral health and overall wellbeing.

In most cases, the dentist will recommend visiting the dental office every six months after completing treatment for any oral issue discovered. Depending on the severity of the patient’s oral health condition, the dental professional might recommend more frequent checkup appointments.

Request an appointment here: https://www.emersondental.com or call Emerson Dental Associates at (201) 620-9998 for an appointment in our Emerson office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Emerson, NJ.

Recent Posts

When Should Children Start Seeing A Family Dentist?

Parents celebrate so many milestones during a baby's first couple of years, and many of them are focused on the baby's mouth: smiling, eating solid foods, and saying their first words. It is another cause for excitement and celebration when the baby's first teeth come in — but should this milestone signal a trip to…

A Family Dentist Discusses Ways To Reverse Tooth Decay

Looking for a new family dentist? Tooth decay refers to the erosion of dental enamel. When complete tooth decay occurs, the effects are irreversible, but weakened enamel can be restored and strengthened through treatment from a family dentist. If you have weakened enamel or tooth decay, then it is important to seek urgent treatment from…

Proper Dental Hygiene From The Start

Help children learn proper dental hygiene habits at a young age and receive a dental checkup in one visit.When it comes to seeking professional dental care for your family, having to drive to multiple locations is the last thing you want to do. As a family dentist, we understand this and can provide treatment to…

Keep The Entire Family Healthy By Visiting A Family Dentist

While many parents remind their children and ensure that they brush their teeth on a regular basis, children need professional dental care at a dentist. Along with specialized care toward children, there are also other steps parents can take to ensure their children have healthy teeth. As a family dentist, we suggest taking the following…

Recent Posts

Things You May Not Have Known About Clear Braces

4 Things You May Not Have Known About Clear Braces

Clear braces are transparent, which allows for a more discreet treatment process than with traditional metal braces. Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what they are exactly and who they are the most ideal for before deciding whether treatment is right for you.The more informed you are…

When Denture Repair Is Needed

When Denture Repair Is Needed

Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your oral health, including any damage or wear that has occurred to the denture over time. If you notice that they are worn out or cracked, it's time to head to the dentist and get them fixed up so that you…