Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are a vital component of preventive dental care, which focuses on prevention and early detection to safeguard your oral health.
Our team at Lake Belton Family Dentistry and Dentures will work to identify any dental condition early on while easiest to address. Our goal is to help you maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime!
Why Are Dental Exams Necessary?
Preventive dental exams and cleanings help maintain your dental health and avoid the need for involved and costly treatments down the road. Regular visits to our office will not only protect your oral health but will also benefit your overall health. Studies have shown that bacteria in gum disease can also be found in the plaque that causes clogged arteries and heart disease. Gum disease has also been linked to a host of problems, including diabetes and stroke. That’s why it is important to maintain a healthy mouth.
How Often Should You Have Dental Exams?
People with good oral hygiene typically require dental exams and cleanings twice a year. If, however, you have gum disease, you may need more frequent visits. That may also be the case for patients who are pregnant or for smokers and for those being treated for health conditions, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, which all increase the risk of oral problems.
What Happens During Your Dental Exam?
Your dental exam involves an evaluation of all aspects of your dental health. We will begin by taking a full set of digital x-rays to help identify any underlying concerns, including tooth decay, bone loss, or other abnormalities. Your visit will include a periodontal exam, which involves taking measurements around your teeth to determine the depth of spaces between your teeth and gums known as pockets. We will also check for root exposure, loosening of teeth, or the presence of inflamed gum tissue.
A tooth by tooth examination will help detect chips or cracks that have the potential of causing pain. We will evaluate the health of your tooth enamel to determine if your teeth are at risk of developing cavities. We will make sure your fillings or restorations are free from damage.
An occlusal exam will evaluate your bite. A bad bite can result in tooth wear, loose teeth, or a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). We will also evaluate your smile and will consider any cosmetic dentistry services you may require, including restoring missing teeth, teeth whitening, correcting misaligned or crooked teeth, and more.
Your dental exam will include an oral cancer screening. This quick and painless procedure can potentially save your life! We will examine the tissue in your mouth to rule out the presence of any abnormalities. When detected and treated early on, oral cancer has a 90% chance of being cured.
What Happens After Your Dental Exam?
Once we conclude your dental exam, we will create an individualized treatment plan. That includes any immediate needs, preventive measures, and any cosmetic procedures you may want to consider.
Dental Exams Near Me
Contact Lake Belton Family Dentistry and Dentures in Temple, TX, to schedule your routine dental exam. Your trusted team of dental professionals is committed to providing quality preventive care to ensure you maintain a healthy smile for many years to come. Call us today!