How Dental Exams Can Catch Possible Oral Risks

The importance of a dental exam often gets ignored. It can be easy to skip check-up appointments as life can get busy and most individuals think that at-home oral hygiene is enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, this misconception is far from the truth. 

Dental exams give general dentists the opportunity to look at the teeth and gums, ensuring that they are in healthy condition. Careful steps will be taken to check each tooth and both sides of the gums. If there are any warning signs, then the appropriate measures can be taken to address them. Continue reading to learn more. 

Oral risks that can be caught during an exam

Below is a quick overview of how a dental exam can catch any oral health risks that may be existing. This information can be quite helpful to individuals who are unsure of what may come from an upcoming appointment.

Warning signs

When visiting a general dentist for an exam, there will be a few main warning signs that are checked for. The dentist will carefully examine all areas of the oral cavity using small dental tools. There is not any pain; however, it is a requirement to stay extremely still. Review some of the signs ahead of time as they may indicate whether or not treatment may be needed. 

  • Bleeding gums
  • Grooves in the teeth
  • White or yellow patches on the tongue
  • Dark marks in between the cusps of molar teeth
  • Inflammation of the gums
  • Difficulty flossing due to build-up in between the teeth
  • Deep gum pockets

While there are a number of warning signs that may be indicated, the ones that are listed above are the most common. Inflammation, bleeding, and deep pockets may all relate to gum disease, which will require in-depth treatment to correct. In mild to moderate cases, a deep cleaning may be a solution. Grooves in the teeth, as well as any dark marks on the molars may indicate a tooth infection, which will likely lead to a cavity. If a cavity does appear, a filling, dental crown, or root canal may be needed to restore the tooth back to optimal condition. 

X-rays

Another part of undergoing a dental exam is getting x-rays. X-rays are images taken by a dentist to get a better look at the jawbone and roots of the teeth. Both components are not visible to the naked eye, which is why having x-rays taken is so important. X-rays may show different warning signs, such as build-up around the roots or movement in the jaw, both of which require the attention of a dentist. 

Get started with a dental exam

Undergoing a dental exam on a regular basis is important in order to maintain good oral health. To find out more about how oral health risks are addressed by a general dentist, reach out today. The dentist can answer questions and go over any existing concerns. Reach out today to learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment. 

Request an appointment here: https://premieresthetics.com or call Premier Esthetics Dental Office of Mark R. Gadberry D.D.S., Inc. at (626) 472-2170 for an appointment in our Covina office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Exam in Covina, CA.

Related Posts

How Preventive Dentistry Can Save Your Smile

Preventive dentistry can protect your teeth and gums. Its main goal is to keep dental problems away. It also aims to detect any oral issue early to prevent it from worsening. Preventive dentistry clinics have different ways to help keep your dental health in top condition. If you want to know how preventive dentistry can…

Ask A General Dentist: What Might Happen If You Do Not Floss Regularly?

Not flossing regularly can increase the risk of developing oral health concerns, such as dental cavities and periodontal disease, so a general dentist encourages patients to floss several times a day and stick to a consistent oral care schedule to reduce the risk of oral health complications in the future. Flossing is essential to good oral…

Are You Brushing Your Teeth The Right Way?

Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to keep them healthy. It is an important part of your hygiene routine. It can be the difference between having a bright smile you can be proud of or ugly looking teeth you are reluctant to display.Simply brushing teeth every…

Cleaning Tips From A General Dentist

Despite what many people think, a general dentist wants to see strong, healthy teeth when patients come into the office. Dentists are, in fact, the most prominent champions of clean and cavity-free teeth; they work to educate patients and community members about proper oral care techniques and cleaning practices. With the right level of care,…

Premier Esthetics Dental Office of Mark R. Gadberry D.D.S., Inc.

Share
Published by
Premier Esthetics Dental Office of Mark R. Gadberry D.D.S., Inc.

Recent Posts

How To Prepare For An Oral Cancer Screening

You can prepare for an oral cancer screening by scheduling at a convenient time and…

2 weeks ago

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

When a filling begins to fail, the first sign is typically that it starts to…

1 month ago

Commonly Asked Questions About CEREC Same Day Crowns

Patients with fragile, fractured, damaged, or broken teeth may now have their dental condition assessed…

3 months ago

Healing Time Length After a Tooth Extraction

Extractions are typically recommended when other options are not enough to solve a patient’s problems.

4 months ago

Is Dental Bonding Permanent?

Even though dental bonding will not last forever, it can be a good restoration choice.…

4 months ago

5 Dental Restoration Options Other Than a Filling

If you are looking to improve the appearance and function of your teeth, you should…

5 months ago