Dental Exam
Bend, OR
Taking care of your mouth is essential for maintaining its health. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day as a means to preventive care. These habits are imperative for removing bacteria, plaque, and other debris from your teeth to prevent serious oral health conditions from developing. While these habits are incredibly important, the ADA also recommends professional care at least twice a year as well. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend can provide you with the routine professional cleanings which are then followed by the dental exam you need to maintain optimal oral health.
What to Expect at Your Dental Exam
Having your mouth examined by Thomas E. Wold, DMD is recommended at least twice a year, this is often done in the same appointment as your dental cleaning. With exams, we take a close look at the structures of your mouth to check for early warning signs of a variety of different issues. Spotting issues early allows for easier and much less invasive treatments, thereby preventing more serious consequences.
During your exam, we will closely examine your teeth. While looking, we will want to check:
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Signs of Decay: We check for signs of decay, any buildup of plaque or tartar, and the development of caries, or cavities.
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Fracture or Breakage: We will check for chips, cracks, fractures and also determine how thin the enamel is in different areas. Services including dental fillings, bonding, or a fluoride treatment may be recommended.
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Old Restorations: Any old dental restorations are looked over to ensure that they are still functioning properly. The lifespan of restorations can vary.
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Soft Tissue: We will want to observe the connection between your teeth and gums. Gums that are infected may pull away from your teeth or develop deeper gum pocket depths. We will want to measure and track your gum pocket depth and any tissue receding from the teeth. |
Another important part of dental exams, although not performed at every exam, is dental x-rays. Today, we use digital radiology, which is much safer and provides a significantly better quality image. Digital x-ray images provide us with a unique view of the otherwise hidden areas of your mouth, including the spaces between your teeth and the areas below your gum line. We can spot cavities, root damage, bone loss, impacted teeth, and so much more. These images help us to get a complete view of your oral health so that we can continue to provide you with the best possible care.
The final and potentially most important part of your dental exam is a quick oral cancer screening. Using simply a probe, we will look for any unusual development of the tissue. We are looking for changes in color, texture, the development of lumps or bumps, and examine any lesions.
Having your teeth professionally examined at least twice a year, in addition to taking care of your mouth at home, is essential for maintaining optimal oral health. Call Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend at (541) 389-0261 today to schedule your next cleaning and exam. |
