Dental Exam Weymouth MA
Most medical conditions, including dental ones, are best treated when they are detected in their early stages. Otherwise, momentum can be very difficult to stop. The best way to spot early signs of dental trouble is to regularly undergo a professional dental exam at your dentist’s office.
What Are Dental Exams?
Dental exams are a routine type of dental appointment in which your dental hygienist will examine your teeth, mouth, and gums for signs of trouble so that any problems can be tackled at an early stage.
The frequency of your individual dental exams depends upon the current state of your oral health. Some dentists recommend that those without ongoing dental problems take part in an annual, or twice annual, dental exam. If you have a problem like gum disease, you may require more frequent dental exams and cleanings.
Who Needs a Dental Exam?
Almost anyone can benefit from a regular dental exam. Even though you may be brushing and flossing at home, thinking that you would spot any early signs of trouble, you are not trained to know what to look for. Some dental conditions can develop into a very serious stage before a layperson notices anything. Your dental team is trained to detect conditions like tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer and more.
Periodic Dental Exam
At each of your dental exam appointments, a dental hygienist or dental technician will go over your medical history to see if any updates are needed. Be sure to let them know if you have started taking any new medications, or if you have received a diagnosis for a medical condition since you last visited.
Your dental hygienist or dentist will then conduct a visual examination of your mouth, including noting the condition of your teeth and gums. They will use an instrument called an explorer to examine each individual tooth.
They will be checking for signs of tooth decay, staining, gum recession, and examining the perimeter of any existing dental fillings or crowns.
X-Rays
If any concerning issues were spotted, your dentist may be asked to take a closer look. They may take x-rays to help them visualize any areas requiring attention.
Your dentist may employ different methods to help them detect any oral problems that you may have, including:
- A visual oral examination
- Dental x-rays
- Oral cancer screening
Oral Cancer Screening
As part of your dental exam, you may undergo an oral cancer screening. This may involve a basic visual exam to look for any evident lesions, discolorations, lumps, or other areas of concern.
By itself, an oral exam cannot make a final determination of the presence of cancer, or rule it out. If your dental team detects an area of concern, they may want to obtain a biopsy, which can be sent to a laboratory for closer examination.
Some dentists provide a special type of cancer screening that includes the use of a special dye and light within the mouth for the detection of any tissue abnormalities that cannot be visibly detected during a conventional oral exam.