What a General Dentist Exam Involves

Good oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions:

  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Tooth misalignment
  • Systemic disease

Many people put off visiting a dentist due to fear of the unknown or pain, but in reality, a dental exam involves nothing to fear and is typically painless, as well as being invaluable for maintaining optimum health.

The elements of a routine exam

Visiting a general dentist is similar to seeing other practitioners in that specific protocols are followed. Most visits involve the following steps:

History

The first part of any general dental visit involves taking a thorough medical history. Documenting a patient's medications, illnesses, allergies, health changes, oral concerns, or pregnancy status, can help determine potential treatments.

Cleaning

A certified dental hygienist usually provides a thorough cleaning of the patient's teeth. Special tools allow the hygienist to scrape plaque and tartar from the surfaces and beneath the gum line. Some patients request a topical numbing agent for the gums to reduce sensations, but this is not necessary for most. Tooth polishing and flossing eliminate rough spots on the teeth and residual particles.

Images

A general dentist usually recommends X-rays of the entire mouth every few years, unless there is a history that warrants greater frequency. Low-radiation X-ray imagery is an essential diagnostic tool to examine the teeth roots, the jawbone, and the conditions below the gum line. It detects conditions that are not visible during a surface examination or do not yet cause a patient to experience noticeable symptoms.

Examination

After the dental hygienist cleans the patient's teeth, the dentist interprets the X-rays and examines the patient's mouth and neck for abnormalities and disease. During the exam, a dentist listens for clicking jaw joints and looks for bite misalignment, teeth that show wear, cavities and tooth sensitivity, and hard lumps associated with oral cancer.

Recommendations

A general dentist can help patients prevent various dental problems by making recommendations for brushing, flossing, and other home care measures. Some patients may require more frequent exams to thwart issues that the dentist predicts could cause tooth damage or loss. At times, a dentist may refer patients for advanced treatments for conditions resulting from genetics, illnesses, non-adherence to oral hygiene regimens, or medication side effects.

Why general dental exams are important

Routine dental visits help educate patients about good hygiene habits, manage and prevent oral disease, and address cosmetic concerns. In addition to preventing tooth loss and costly procedures, exams detect many systemic diseases and conditions of the body that initiate in the mouth before they are fully manifest. A dental exam can reveal evidence of lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, leukemia, anemia, various endocrine disorders, and other concerns, enabling patients to receive early treatments.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Columbus, OH

Conclusion

Everyone should regularly visit a general dentist for a simple, painless, and thorough examination. Home care regimens cannot substitute for the in-depth evaluation that occurs during a dental exam.

Request an appointment or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at 614-503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.

Recent Posts

Common Services You Can Expect From A General Dentist

Regular visits to a general dentist are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. A general dentist is responsible for routine check-ups and cleanings and provides a wide range of services to prevent, diagnose, and treat various dental issues. From preventive care to restorative procedures, a general dentist plays a crucial role in ensuring your teeth,…

A General Dentist Shares Daily Tips To Prevent Bad Breath

A general dentist shared some ways to help prevent bad breath. This is a topic no one wants to discuss. Bad breath happens to everyone at one point or another. If you take proper precautions, you can avoid having bad breath. We should openly talk about this taboo topic. The more we talk about it, the…

Basic Restorative Procedures For A Damaged Tooth

You can have restorative dental procedures from your general dentist to replace defective or damaged parts of your teeth. Restorative procedures are used to replace broken or missing teeth and are among the most common treatments and procedures that dentists handle regularly. They restore the function and aesthetics of teeth and supporting structures while helping…

Dr. Sam Latif

Share
Published by
Dr. Sam Latif

Recent Posts

Common Questions About Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those who want to enhance their…

2 days ago

Common Services You Can Expect from a General Dentist

From preventive care to restorative and cosmetic treatments, a general dentist is equipped to address…

3 days ago

Tips and Advice on How to Make Your Dental Veneers Last Longer

Dental veneers are an investment. Getting these restorations is a significant decision. The permanence of…

1 week ago

What to Expect When Getting Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can improve your appearance and oral health. These porcelain shells can make dramatic…

3 weeks ago

Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Oral Health from a Preventative Dentist

By focusing on proactive care now, a preventive dentist helps you avoid costly and painful…

3 weeks ago

How Dental Veneers Can Boost Your Confidence

A great smile can improve your confidence, but a poor one can have the opposite…

4 weeks ago