You can keep a healthy and beautiful smile at all times through routine dental exams and cleanings and good oral hygiene between visits. If you are dealing with dental anxiety or it has been a while since your last routine dental exam, then this guide to what takes place during a visit should help you feel more comfortable about scheduling a visit.
Every dentist has their own process they like to use for a routine dental exam, and it may look different for every patient. However, there are common things a dentist is more likely to do during your routine dental exam, such as to conduct an oral examination, order dental x-rays (if it is the first visit), clean the teeth and gums, and check for any abnormalities.
After a quick discussion of any issues the patient may be experiencing with their oral health or specific goals they have, the dentist typically begins by conducting an oral examination. This involves checking all areas of the mouth with dental mirrors and other non-invasive tools. They make a note of all of their findings that can help put together a treatment and prevention plan later in the visit.
Dental x-rays are often a part of the routine dental exam process as well. This is non-invasive and safe, and it provides the dentist and their staff with more insight into the overall status of the patient’s oral health. Patients are not required to have new x-rays on every visit, but they are typically performed on the first routine dental exam and periodically (third or fourth visit) after the first visit.
A dental cleaning is typically performed during a routine dental exam as well unless the patient opts not to have a cleaning done on the same day. Routine dental cleaning involves scaling away plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the surface of teeth and along the gum line. This helps with the prevention of cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, and other oral health concerns.
The dentist may also check for any abnormalities as well to rule out less likely concerns such as oral cancer. However, it is important to note that a routine dental exam is not as extensive as an oral cancer screening, so individuals at high risk of oral cancer should still schedule a screening as recommended.
The dentist usually ends the visit by providing information on how the patient can care for their smile between routine dental exams, which are usually scheduled about six months apart.
You can schedule a routine dental exam by calling our dental practice today and finding a time that works for your schedule. We take pride in assisting our patients and helping them prevent oral health concerns through routine dental exams and cleanings. So why wait? Reach out today to schedule your next visit.
Request an appointment here: https://peoria.voguedental.com or call Vogue Dental at (309) 306-8888 for an appointment in our Peoria office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Peoria, IL.
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