A dental exam is a routine part of most patients' oral healthcare. These exams allow your dentist to check your oral health and give you the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns. However, not everyone receives dental exams at the recommended interval. This blog explains how long most patients should wait between exams and provides details on these vital dental appointments.
How Often You Should Receive a Dental Exam
Most dentists recommend that their patients, of all ages, come into the office at least once every six months. However, we will set your individual dental exam schedule based on your oral health and specific concerns. Some patients need only annual check-ups, while others require more frequent care due to medical conditions or other risk factors.
What Happens During a Dental Exam
After your dental cleaning, your hygienist calls your dentist to your exam room. Your dentist will perform a complete examination of your head and neck, including:
- Condition of teeth and enamel
- Any untreated cavities
- The condition of your gums and the possibility of gum disease
- Uneven wear patterns that may indicate TMJ, bruxism, or obstructive sleep apnea, as well as the need for orthodontic care
- Sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure
- Check the status of all existing restorations, like crowns, bridges, and implants
- Examine digital radiographs (X-rays) of your teeth and jaw to discover any hidden issues
- Comprehensive check for signs of oral cancer, a dangerous condition that may go undetected without regular dental care
The Importance of Dental Exams
Whether your dental practitioner recommends an appointment every six months or sooner, keeping up with this schedule is a vital step in protecting your oral health. Patients who are asked to see their practitioner more frequently may be at higher risk of conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these issues are highly preventable with comprehensive home and professional care.
Without regular dental exams, your oral health would be at risk. Catching minor issues early can save you time, money, and discomfort in the future. Imagine having a tiny cavity and having it filled right away rather than allowing this flaw to develop into a badly decayed tooth that requires a root canal. Dental exams give your doctor an opportunity to stop decay and gum disease in its tracks.
See Your Dentist Regularly
At Washington Park Family Dental, we enjoy seeing all our patients regularly and helping them avoid significant oral health problems in the future. If you have any issues that appear between appointments, don't wait for your biannual visit. Call us as soon as possible to address your problem. Working together, we can safeguard your smile and improve your self-confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Exams
Are dental cleanings usually combined with exams?
Yes, a cleaning and an exam often happen at the same time. Your hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, removing all traces of plaque and tartar. They will also provide expert home care instructions tailored to you. Hygienists encourage children to keep their teeth and gums clean as well. Working together, your dentist and hygienist can protect your teeth and keep your smile bright for decades to come.
When should my child start receiving dental exams?
Along with the American Dental Association, we recommend that children start seeing the dentist at approximately age one, or six months after the first tooth erupts. Most children can see the dentist every six months unless they have risk factors, such as soft enamel or early decay.
Early familiarity with dental care helps your child become more relaxed and often prevents them from developing anxious feelings about seeing the dentist. Dental anxiety can interfere with receiving care by preventing patients from seeking out appointments when they experience problems. Family dentists know how to calm and distract children to help make the appointment smoother.
We at Washington Park Family Dental take pride in serving the greater Denver, CO, area. We provide advanced yet compassionate care for patients of all ages. From exams to dental implants, we want to be your dental home. If you need a dental exam or any other procedure, please get in touch with us today. We look forward to meeting you!