What to Expect During a Dental Exam

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming dental exam? You’re not alone! Many people feel anxious before a visit to the dentist. We want to help put your mind at ease by walking you through the entire process.

What is a Dental Exam?

A dental exam is a preventive procedure that allows your dentist to assess your oral health, identify any potential issues, and create a plan for maintaining or restoring your dental wellness. Regular dental exams are essential for detecting problems early and preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. Below is a step-by-step process of what happens at our clinic from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave.

1. Arrival and Check-In

Our receptionist will greet you when you first walk in our clinic. If it’s your first visit, you may need to fill out some medical history forms and provide your insurance information. This step is crucial as it helps the dentist understand your health background and tailor your care accordingly.

2. Initial Assessment

Once your paperwork is complete, a dental hygienist will take you to an examination room. They will review your medical history. The hygienist will ask about any changes in your health, medications you may be taking, and any dental issues you’ve experienced since your last visit.

3. Dental Cleaning

Most dental exams include a professional cleaning performed by the dental hygienist. During this cleaning, you can expect:

• Scaling: The hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.
• Polishing: After scaling, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains, leaving your smile bright and clean.
• Flossing: The hygienist will also floss your teeth to remove any debris left between them.

4. Comprehensive Examination

After the cleaning, the dentist will come in to perform a thorough examination of your mouth. The below are some of the aspects included in this examination:

• Visual Inspection: The dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of decay, disease, or abnormalities.
• X-Rays: If necessary, the dentist may take X-rays to assess the health of your teeth beneath the surface. These images help identify cavities, bone loss, and other issues.
• Oral Cancer Screening: The dentist may perform an oral cancer screening, checking for unusual lumps or sores in your mouth.

5. 3D Imaging

Our team uses Itero, a 3D imaging mechanism that captures your teeth in three dimensions from multiple angles. Itero provides a “real life” view of your smile. This offers a realistic capture of the teeth along with the following benefits: 

• Additional Angles: A 3D image of your teeth can be rotated. This means that different angles can be viewed to help assess how different structures function together.

• Great Details: 3D imaging gives the ability to analyze the teeth and tissues in great detail. Our team is able to zoom in to different areas in the mouth and diagnose with greater precision. 

• Fast and Comfortable: The 3D scans are completed very quickly. They do not require the biting down technique that x-rays are known for. This makes them much more comfortable than traditional x-rays.

• More Structures: 3D imaging provides great teeth details but they also capture more structures than other methods. The structures captured include jawbone, nerves, airways, soft tissues, and blood vessels. This is very comprehensive for monitoring oral health.

6. Discussion of Findings

After the examination, the dentist will discuss their findings with you. They will let you know if there are any areas of concern. A treatment plan will also be discussed during this time if one is needed. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about your oral health, dental hygiene practices, or any specific dental treatments.

7. Preventive Care Recommendations

At the end of your visit, the dentist may suggest preventive care measures, such as:

• Fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel.
• Dental sealants to protect against cavities.
• Tips for improving your oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing and flossing techniques.

8. Scheduling Your Next Appointment

Before you leave, the receptionist will help you schedule your next dental exam. We typically recommend exams to take place every six months for optimal oral health.

We understand that a visit to the dentist can be daunting for some patients. We hope that the information provided here helps you empower yourself for your dental exam. Remember, regular dental visits are essential for preventing more serious dental issues down the road!

Our team would be delighted to welcome you to our office for your next visit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information or to schedule an appointment!