A dental exam should be part of your regular health care routine, and ideally, you should get a standard dental exam at least twice a year. Are you still wondering why dental care is important? Curious about what to expect at your next dental exam?

Here’s what you need to know.

Why Are Routine Dental Exams Important?

Dental exams allow the dentist to detect decay in your teeth. The sooner you find and treat cavities, the better. If cavities are ignored, the decay can get worse, and rather than a small dental filling, you may need a full root canal. Additionally, untreated decay can spread from one tooth to another.

On top of that, the state of your mouth can signify underlying health issues including heart disease and diabetes. At your dental exam, your dentist can let you know if they see any oral issues that may herald more serious problems. Then, you can schedule appointments with specialists as needed.

What Happens at a Dental Exam?

First, you can start by telling your dentist about any specific problems you are having. That includes issues such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or cavities. Getting the dentist’s expertise and professional insight on these issues can be invaluable.

Once you have finished discussing your concerns, the dentist starts the formal exam. Usually, the dentist does a visual examination of the teeth and soft tissue in the mouth. They may also check out the lymph nodes located below the jawline as well as the external soft tissue by the lips and mouth. This part of the dental exam can detect lesions, tumors, or other potentially serious issues.

Then, the dentist takes X-rays and intraoral pictures of your teeth. This allows the dentist to see any cavities or decay that aren’t visible with the visual exam. If you have any cavities, the dentist will help you create a treatment plan.

What Happens at a Dental Exam?

What Happens at The End of Your Dental Exam?

Usually, the dentist’s assistant or officer manager will go over costs with you. They can schedule the treatment so that it works around your insurance. If you are paying out of pocket, they help you come up with payment plans that work with your budget.

Can You Get Other Services As Part of Your Dental Exam?

In some cases, you may also get your teeth cleaned at your dental appointment. Ideally, you should get your teeth cleaned twice a year so it works for many patients to just roll that in with their routine dental care. Professional dental cleanings are essential to get rid of plaque that leads to cavities. Some people also get their teeth whitened as part of their routine exam.

Has it been a while since you’ve seen a dentist? That’s okay. It’s easy to put it off. Here at Buckhead Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we are here to help you from start to finish with all your oral care needs. Give us a call at 404-400-0400 or contact us online and schedule your dental exam today! We are a new cosmetic dentist located in Buckhead, Atlanta.