The Importance of Dental Exams
Regular dentist visits are an important part of preventive health care for dental exam patients. The primary reason for visiting a cosmetic dentist is to keep your teeth and gums in excellent health. Ensuring that your teeth and gums are healthy is essential to your oral health as well as your overall well-being. Here, Boston dentist James Stein explains the importance of regular dental exams.
Why Regular Dental Exams are Important
During dental exams, dentist can perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth with specialized equipment that removes plaque and tartar around the tooth, between the teeth, and along the gum line.
Regular dental exams allow your cosmetic dentist to detect any problems early on, when they can still be addressed with more conservative treatment options. Most dental problems do not cause noticeable symptoms until they have progressed to their later stages. Early detection is key to saving you pain, time, money, and potentially serious health problems down the line.
A trip to the dentist also provides you with the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your oral health. If the thought of seeing a dentist makes you feel highly anxious, talk to your dentist about sedation options so that you can complete your exam without fear.
The Dental Exam Process
During a dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth, identify any immediately noticeable issues, and evaluate your risk for developing oral health problems such as tooth decay or gum recession. Your dentist will also check your mouth, face, and neck for any abnormalities. Your visit may include dental x-rays or other diagnostic procedures.
Your dentist or hygienist will likely discuss your oral hygiene habits and provide you with tips regarding how to best care for you teeth; this may include a demonstration of proper oral health techniques such as brushing and flossing.
Other oral health topics that my be brought up during your dental exam may include:
- Your diet habits
- Lifestyle habits such as smoking
- Any medications you’re currently taking
- Prevention as well as consequences of tooth loss
- The benefits of dental crowns, dental implants, fixed bridges, and other procedures
When to Have a Dental Exam
According to the American Dental Association, you should schedule a dental exam and teeth cleaning every six months, or according to your dentist’s specific advice for your unique dental situation. Whether you still have your natural teeth or have replacement teeth, you should still schedule regular dental exams to ensure that you continue to remain in good oral health.
Learn More about Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are not only important for your teeth and gums but also for your overall health. Early detection of underlying mouth problems can help spare you an immense amount of discomfort and financial burden. To learn more about what a dental exam entails and all the options available to you, schedule a consultation with the capable staff of Dr. James M. Stein today. They are available to answer your questions, calm your worries, and provide you with the healthiest set of teeth possible.
