What Happens During a Dental Exam With a General Dentist

Getting a dental exam with a general dentist is something everyone needs to do regularly. A thorough examination of your mouth is vital for both your oral health and overall well-being. The dentist can detect issues and treat them early, giving you peace of mind. Here is what to expect during a dental exam with your general dentist.

Reviewing the patient’s medical history

The first thing that the dentist will do during a dental exam is to ask patients about their medical history. Be prepared to talk about existing medical conditions that could be affecting oral health as well, such as diabetes. It is always helpful if patients bring along a list of medications or supplements they are currently using to inform the dentist. That will ensure that the dentist recommends a treatment that does not impact the patient’s other conditions.

Visual examination

The dentist might start the dental exam by checking the patient’s face and neck to see if there are any lumps or swelling. Then, looking inside the patient’s mouth will follow to check the tongue, gums, and teeth. The dentist will be looking for signs of dental decay, oral cancer, or gum disease. An issue with previous restorative work might be visible at this point.

Depending on what the dentist discovers, using X-rays might be the next step. An X-ray helps the dentist see underneath the gums and teeth and identify deeper issues. There are different types of X-rays, such as bitewing, panoramic, and periapical. All these can help the dentist give an accurate diagnosis and perform the right treatment.

Cleaning and polishing

A dental exam includes a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth. The dentist will first remove the plaque and tartar buildup. These substances can cause dental decay and gingivitis. Although patients may be cleaning their teeth twice a day, some areas are hard to clean and require a dentist’s attention.

The dentist will then floss the teeth to remove any remaining food particles between the teeth. Next, toothpaste will be applied to polish every tooth. The last step is rinsing off the teeth. Patients, especially children, might also receive a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel. This, in turn, helps prevent dental decay.

How often to visit a general dentist

Ideally, a patient should visit the dentist for a dental checkup every six months. Children may need more frequent visits to ensure the right development of the teeth. The same is true for patients who have undergone restorative treatments like getting braces or dentures. The dentist needs to monitor and make adjustments as needed. It is important to keep one’s dental appointments consistent. Of course, if there is an emergency, patients should see the dentist right away.