Many of us may think that brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is enough to maintain good dental hygiene. However, visiting a dentist for a regular dental exam is equally important. We recommend that you visit the dentist at least once every six months. Why? Because there are many benefits of regular dental exams and the dental services we can recommend.
What is a Dental Exam?
We customize each dental exam to meet your specific needs, but most include the following steps.
Review of Medical History and Oral Health: Before we jump into the physical exam, we will ask questions about your health history and any concerns you may be experiencing. This information will help us determine the best action and identify potential issues requiring further examination.
X-rays and Imaging: To get a more in-depth look at your oral health, we may take X-rays or other imaging to assess your teeth and jaw bone. This can help us detect potential problems below the surface, such as decay, cracks, or other abnormalities.
Cleaning: After imaging, your dental hygienist will clean your teeth by removing any plaque or tartar buildup. This removes harmful bacteria that can lead to gum disease and cavities.
Oral Exam: Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues for signs of decay, infection, or disease.
Treatment Recommendations: If we detect any issues during your exam, we’ll discuss treatment options and recommend a plan to address them. This can include anything from extractions to smile makeovers to root canals in Portland, Oregon.
What are the Benefits?
The benefits of dental exams are numerous, and at Portland Smile Design, we strive to provide our patients with the best care possible to keep their smiles healthy and bright.
Early Detection of Oral Diseases
One of the main benefits of regular dental exams is that our team can detect oral diseases early. Dental exams include a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums, as well as an oral cancer screening. Dr. Nathan Dustin and Dr. Dillon Moya can identify signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancers, and other issues before they become significant problems. Early detection can prevent these issues from becoming more severe and costly.
Preventing Cavities
During a dental exam, your dentist will check your teeth for cavities. Tooth decay can cause more significant problems in your mouth and even lead to tooth loss. Through regular exams, your dentist can provide you with preventative measures to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and strong.
Clean Teeth
While it’s essential to brush your teeth and floss regularly, professional dental cleaning is necessary to remove plaque that may not come off during regular brushing and flossing. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, which, when left untreated, can cause teeth to fall out. Regularly scheduled dental exams ensure that your teeth stay clean and healthy.
Oral Health Education
Dental exams allow you to ask your dentist about oral health care. They can teach you proper brushing and flossing techniques and recommend the best products for your dental hygiene needs. Your dentist can also provide tips and tricks for maintaining good oral health so you can take better care of your teeth between appointments.
Overall Physical Health
Your dental health directly affects your overall physical health. By visiting the dentist regularly, your dentist can identify signs of health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and even dementia. This information can help you stay on top of your overall health and take the necessary steps to prevent these issues from worsening.
Dental Exams in Portland, Oregon
Regular dental exams are essential for maintaining good oral health. They can also have a significant impact on your overall health and prevent more severe and costly dental issues. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. So, please book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards a healthy smile!
