How A Comprehensive Dental Exam Works

If it has been a long time since you have been to the dentist, you are going to need to get a comprehensive dental exam. A comprehensive dental exam is an in-depth process that will allow the dentist to really evaluate your dental health with you. It will involve multiple small steps and procedures.

Dental History

The first thing that will happen is the dentist will go over your dental history with you. They are going to want to know how often you have gotten dental care and the result of your dental care. They are also going to want to know about your dental care habits, like brushing and flossing, as well as your diet.

Cavity Check

Then, the dentist is going to exam your mouth and look for possible visible cavities. Not all cavities can be seen visually, but some can. The dentist will look at the overall health of your teeth.

Jaw Assessment

Next, the dentist will check your jaw and your bite. This will be a really quick exam, consisting primarily of you opening and closing your mouth for the dentist. This will allow the dentist to see how your teeth fit together and what type of bite you have, which can impact your overall dental health.

X-Rays

If it has been a long time since you have been to the dentist, there it is highly likely that the dentist is going to take e-rays of your mouth. This will allow the dentist to dig deeper and see what is happening in between your teeth, where they can easily examine and look for cavities, as well give them an opportunity to look at the structure and strength of your bones.

Teeth Cleaning

After that, the dentist is going to clean your teeth. The dentist will use tools to deep clean your teeth, scraping away and removing any plaque that has built up on your teeth. Once the dentist has removed all plaque build-up, they will then polish your teeth. Your teeth should look and feel cleaner.

Recommendations

Your dentist will then provide you with information about how to take better care of your teeth based on their exam. Perhaps you need to spend more time brushing your front teeth, or maybe the dentist noticed that you need to floss your back teeth a little more. Your dentist will help you learn how to take better care of your teeth.

Your dentist will also discuss with you any work that you need done, such as a cavity that needs to be removed or a filling that needs to be refilled. After that, you will be able to leave and schedule a follow-up to get any work done if anything needs to be fixed, or a follow up in six months for additional cleanings. To learn more, contact a dentist like Bewick Keary DDS.