What Can I Expect at My Next Dental Exam?
Regular dental exams are critically important to maintaining good dental health. Despite this common knowledge, many people delay dental exams for as long as possible, putting themselves at risk for cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems that require restorative dentistry treatments. People may put off dental exams if they are not sure what to expect, an uncertainty that can give rise to apprehension and stress. At Silvers Family Dental Care, we understand that dental anxiety is a problem for some patients. We aim to put patients’ concerns to rest by informing them of what to expect at a routine dental exam. With that in mind, the team at Silvers Family Dental Care in Harrisburg put together this overview of dental exams.
Your Consultation and Evaluation
This part of the exam is crucial, especially if it is your first time visiting a particular dentist. During your consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and utilize traditional dental tools and mirrors in able to more effectively look for cavities, fractures, loose restorations, and other problems. Your dentist will also check the health and mobility of the jaw, determine the degree of plaque and tartar buildup, and examine the state of your gums.
Your consultation is the perfect time to bring up any concerns that you might have. You may want to tell your dentist about any previous dental issues and point out any pain, discomfort, or any problem spots you have noticed. If you are concerned with the appearance of your smile, you can discuss this with the dentist; a dentist can provide you with treatment options to improve the appearance of the teeth and gums.
You may also want to express any fear or anxiety that you have about dental exams. At Silvers Family Dental Care, we offer sedation dentistry treatment options, and may be able to use those techniques to help you make it through your exam in as comfortable and relaxed a state as possible.
Your X-Ray Examination
The consultation and evaluation does not always tell the full story of your oral and orthodontic health. For that reason, your dentist will probably order a set of x-rays to be taken. X-rays can reveal the presence of cavities or the development of impacted wisdom teeth. By ordering X-rays, your dentist can gain a better understanding of your oral health.
Your Dental Cleaning and Polishing
During this phase of the dental exam, your dentist will use traditional metal tools to painlessly scrape away plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. He will then use a rotating power tool to apply a polishing paste and buff your teeth to a glossy bright sheen. After that, your dentist may give you any further recommendations that are needed - and then you will be on your way.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Now that you know what to expect during a dental exam, you are ready to take the next step. Contact the office of Silvers Family Dental Care today, and get started on your path toward better dental health.
