What a General Dentist Exam Involves

What a General Dentist Exam Involves from Miami Implant & Family Dentists in Miami, FLGood oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions:

  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Tooth misalignment
  • Systemic disease

Many people put off visiting a dentist due to fear of the unknown or pain, but in reality, a dental exam involves nothing to fear and is typically painless, as well as being invaluable for maintaining optimum health.

The elements of a routine exam

Visiting a general dentist is similar to seeing other practitioners in that specific protocols are followed. Most visits involve the following steps:

History

The first part of any general dental visit involves taking a thorough medical history. Documenting a patient's medications, illnesses, allergies, health changes, oral concerns, or pregnancy status, can help determine potential treatments.

Cleaning

A certified dental hygienist usually provides a thorough cleaning of the patient's teeth. Special tools allow the hygienist to scrape plaque and tartar from the surfaces and beneath the gum line. Some patients request a topical numbing agent for the gums to reduce sensations, but this is not necessary for most. Tooth polishing and flossing eliminate rough spots on the teeth and residual particles.

Images

A general dentist usually recommends X-rays of the entire mouth every few years, unless there is a history that warrants greater frequency. Low-radiation X-ray imagery is an essential diagnostic tool to examine the teeth roots, the jawbone, and the conditions below the gum line. It detects conditions that are not visible during a surface examination or do not yet cause a patient to experience noticeable symptoms.

Examination

After the dental hygienist cleans the patient's teeth, the dentist interprets the X-rays and examines the patient's mouth and neck for abnormalities and disease. During the exam, a dentist listens for clicking jaw joints and looks for bite misalignment, teeth that show wear, cavities and tooth sensitivity, and hard lumps associated with oral cancer.

Recommendations

A general dentist can help patients prevent various dental problems by making recommendations for brushing, flossing, and other home care measures. Some patients may require more frequent exams to thwart issues that the dentist predicts could cause tooth damage or loss. At times, a dentist may refer patients for advanced treatments for conditions resulting from genetics, illnesses, non-adherence to oral hygiene regimens, or medication side effects.

Why general dental exams are important

Routine dental visits help educate patients about good hygiene habits, manage and prevent oral disease, and address cosmetic concerns. In addition to preventing tooth loss and costly procedures, exams detect many systemic diseases and conditions of the body that initiate in the mouth before they are fully manifest. A dental exam can reveal evidence of lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, leukemia, anemia, various endocrine disorders, and other concerns, enabling patients to receive early treatments.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Miami, FL

Conclusion

Everyone should regularly visit a general dentist for a simple, painless, and thorough examination. Home care regimens cannot substitute for the in-depth evaluation that occurs during a dental exam.

Request an appointment or call Miami Implant & Family Dentists at 305-230-4040 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Recent Posts

Commonly Asked General Dentistry Questions About Toothaches

General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…

General Dentist FAQs: Answers To Your Dental Concerns

Seeing a general dentist for regular checkups should be part of your dental care routine. This dental professional can help maintain and even improve your teeth and gum health. Asking the right questions can help you know more about proper oral care. Below are some of the questions you can ask your general dentist during…

Ask A General Dentist: What Are The Benefits Of Flossing?

A general dentist will tell you all of the benefits of flossing on a regular basis. Flossing should be a very important part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth is the first round of defense in fighting tooth decay but do not underestimate the value of flossing. When you get into the habit…

Recent Posts

When To Get Dental Implants

When To Get Dental Implants

Dental implants are effective, long-lasting artificial teeth. Implants are surgically attached to the jawbone to look and function like natural teeth. As a result, patients can chew, talk, and laugh without worrying about dentures slipping. They also improve oral health. This article explores when and why to get implants and the qualifying factors for treatment.Patients…

The Different Types Of Kids Braces

The Different Types Of Kids Braces

If your child has crooked or poorly aligned teeth, kids braces are one of the options that can be used to straighten his or her teeth. Continue reading to learn more about kids' braces.Dentists generally recommend children get orthodontic treatments once they reach the age of seven. That is when the final set of molars…