If you’ve never experienced a dental exam or it has been a while since your last dental visit, you may be wondering what to expect when you come to the dentist’s office for a standard checkup. At Trillium Dental, we’ve seen time and time again how knowing ahead of time what a specific procedure is like can ease a patient’s concerns or fears, so we’d be happy to tell you a little bit more about what happens during a dental exam.
Standard Assessment
During your dental exam, you can expect your dental professional to ask you if you have any concerns or are currently dealing with any issues. When they go to check our teeth and gums, they’ll be looking to see if there are any signs of cavities, misalignment, gum disease, or other dental concerns. For example, they may notice that your teeth look more worn down in areas than is normal, which could signal bruxism (teeth grinding), or they may notice that the way your jaws are aligned is causing an incorrect bite.
Dental X-rays
Depending on how old your most recent dental X-rays are and what your current oral health is like, your exam may also include getting images of your mouth taken. Don’t worry, you won’t need to get dental X-rays done at every visit, but it is an important step for preventing and diagnosing certain conditions.
Oral Cancer Check
These days, many dental exams include an oral cancer check. During these quick checks, your dentist will look for any visual or physical signs of oral cancer inside your lips and cheeks, around your tongue, on the roof of your mouth, under your jaw, and on the sides of your neck.
Schedule Your Dental Exam at Trillium Dental Today!
Do you still have questions about dental exams or other topics related to oral health? That’s what we’re here for! Just call or email our Portland dental practice today and let us know what we can do to help you on your smile journey. We look forward to hearing from you!
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