The exam is performed at your initial dental visit and at following check up exams that your dentist will perform. Do not let the name ‘general dental exam’ fool you, this is a comprehensive dental exam that will include all of the following main points.
Digital X-Rays:
Our offices are equipped with the highest quality equipment available. By examining the digital x-rays your dental team can detect decay, bone loss, tumors, cavities, cysts, and numerous other dental situations, while helping the team map tooth and root positions. Another important feature of this type of x-ray is that it allows interaction between you, our patient and Dr. Laskis. Instead of your dental team telling you the situation, they can show you on digital computer screens exactly what they are talking about and from many different views.
Oral cancer screening
Your team will check for signs of oral health problems, such as oral cancer in your mouth, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums. This is a painless and quick process.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening
Gum disease screening:
Your dental professional or dental hygienist will check your gums and bone around your teeth for signs of periodontal disease. This is tested by using a periodontal probe, a tiny measuring stick, to measure the pocket depth. Typically a healthy condition depth measures from 1 to 3 millimeters, anything over 4 millimeters in not healthy. Bigger numbers usually indicate pockets of infection that need treatment.
Schedule Your Gum Disease Screening
Examination for tooth decay and gum and bone recession:
This is where the surface of each tooth is checked for tooth decay and your gums and supporting structures are checked for recession. Your teeth will also be examined for deterioration due to abnormal bite, bruxism (grinding) or TMJ.
Examination of previous work done (existing restorations):
Your team will check all your fillings, crowns, bridges, and any other existing dental work to make sure it is still viable and won’t come loose at an inopportune time.
Dr. Laskis will also perform a visual and digital examination of lymph nodes throughout the face and neck looking for any abnormalities, pain, or flexibility within the nodes that could be markers for disease.
Since the comprehensive dental exam is designed to set a baseline of your overall health and to catch any early signs of serious illness that may be otherwise undetected, your dentist will be on the lookout for the following illnesses which can be detected during a comprehensive oral evaluation:
- Diabetes
- Leukemia
- Blood pressure problems
- Cardiovascular problems
- Oral cancer
- Immune abnormalities
- Sinus problems
Regular Dental Checkup and Teeth Cleaning
For the importance of your oral and overall health, it is important to come in for a regular dental cleaning and dental checkup every 6 months (however, your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your oral health needs). Like a strong immune system and a healthy heart, healthy teeth and gums are important to keep in good working order to be healthy and ensure a higher quality of life.
Call us today to schedule an appointment!
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