Having an annual dental examination is essential to ensuring and maintaining good oral health. Such an examination can be performed by one of our dentists or dental hygienist, who will observe the inside of your mouth for things that could impact or affect your oral and overall health. Many of these things the dentist looks for cannot be detected by you but only by a professional with a trained eye.

These things include, (but are not limited to):
  • Early signs of cavities
  • Decaying or damaged teeth
  • Gums conditions such as periodontal pockets or inflammation of the gums
  • How previous dental work such as fillings, crowns, root canals, etc are holding up
  • Early signs of throat or mouth cancer such as blocked salivary glands or white lesions
  • Teeth positioning (e.g. the bite and spacing of teeth)
  • Any suspicious cysts or growths
  • The condition of the bones in your jaw, mouth, and face
  • Signs of any bleeding or inflammation in the mouth
  • Signs of teeth grinding (which is a problem if left untreated, and can lead to hearing loss and or tooth loss)
  • Early signs of disorders related to the temporomandibular joint. (This joint joins the jaw to the skull)

In addition to the visual examination of your mouth, the oral examination will also include a complete medical history so that the dentist is made aware of any pre-existing medical conditions that can ultimately affect the success of any present or future dental treatments or procedures needed.

Moreover, an examination of your neck area and dental x-rays might also be included as part of your oral examination. Dental x-rays will be able to determine if you have any issues such as cavities under existing fillings, any fractures, and decay under the gum line, or impacted wisdom teeth.

After your dental examination, our dentist will inform you of all the findings and if any appropriate additional action has to be taken based on these findings.

Be Sure to Inform Your Dentist if:
  • You have been diagnosed with any new medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, etc
  • You are pregnant
  • You have any allergies
  • You have noticed any changes in the positioning, color, looseness of your teeth
  • You have noticed any bleeding in your gums after brushing or flossing your teeth
  • You have noticed an increase in teeth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet things
  • You have noticed a change in the color of the skin within the mouth
  • You smoke or chew tobacco
  • You notice any tightness in your neck or jaw muscles or any grinding of the teeth.

To ensure that you maintain good oral health, schedule your dental examination with one of our highly qualified Care Providers. Be sure to request your dental appointment today!

Cosmetic & General Dentistry