What is included in a dental checkup?
If you’re planning your first dental check-up in Houston, it is important to know more about “what is a dental exam” and what is included in it.
If you were anxious about your past regular dental check-up, share your concerns with your dentist or hygienist. They might be able to adjust your treatment to help you feel more relax and comfortable. Some of you may wonder about the cost of dental check-up and cleaning. The good news is the average price of a dental check-up is much affordable than the procedures needed to treat oral health diseases.
That said, let’s begin with what things are including in a dental check-up.
What is included in a Dental Check-up?
A hygienist or dentist will begin your dental check-up with teeth cleaning that includes:
- Teeth and gum cleaning
- Using tools to remove tartar and plaque
- Polish your teeth
- Take X-rays
Once your teeth are cleaned, your dentist will do the following examinations:
- A quick teeth check-up
- Examine your gums, throat, and check for any irregularities
- Review X-rays that may have been taken
- Recommend any additional dental work necessary to maintain oral health
- Discuss your oral health and habits
During a dental exam, your hygienist or dentist will also ask about your health-related problems or medications you take. They’ll discuss how these medications might affect your oral health. For example, if you have diabetes, your risk of gum disease will increase.
Certain medications contribute to dry mouth. These medications can increase your risk of tooth decay. If health condition, like arthritis, prevent you from brushing your teeth properly, your dentist may recommend you ways to manage good oral hygiene with medical health conditions.
Dental exams also include counseling about diet, tobacco consumption, and other lifestyle factors that can affect your oral health.
Dental X-ray
Dental X-rays allow the dentist to know specific sections of your mouth in detail. It helps them to diagnose problems that are not visible during the dental exam. X-rays aren’t generally needed at every regular dental check-up. Moreover, radiation exposure from dental X-rays is kept low, especially with the modern digital x-rays. In any case, talk to your dentist if you’re concerned.
Oral Cancer Exam
During your comprehensive oral exam, your dentist or hygienist will check whether there’s any sign of oral cancer or not. They will examine your jaw, neck, lips, cheeks, and tongue. This will give them insight into your oral health in detail.
Dental Impression
In some cases, your dentist may recommend making a dental impression of your jaws to produce a replica of your teeth and gum tissues. This will help your dentist to evaluate your bite.
Results and advice
After the dental check-up is completed, your dentist will let you know your oral health details and advise you about the next steps.
Sometimes this involves scheduling a follow-up appointment for a necessary procedure if you’re at high risk of oral health problems. In other cases, your dentist will advise you about what you can do at home to improve your oral health. It is crucial to follow your dentist’s advice and ensure your next check-up is the best it can be for your own benefit.
Therefore, it is vital to get your teeth checked at the dental office for examination as recommended by your dentist. Check out “how often do you need a dental exam?”