When you visit a general dentist for a dental checkup, it is not only about your teeth. Continue reading to know what happens during a checkup. Your oral health is crucial to your overall health. What happens in the mouth might reveal many things about the whole body.
The general dentist will typically proceed to do an oral exam after a hygienist has cleaned the patient’s teeth during the dental appointment. To examine for cavities and tooth damage, the dentist utilizes a special mirror and a dental probe. Gum disease, oral cancer, issues with the bite or jaw, and any symptoms of inflammation or bleeding will all be checked by the dentist.
A regular dental examination consists of the following:
The dental exam should include a check for oral cancer. Oral cancer is a severe condition. When discovered early, however, the condition is typically treatable. The dentist will examine the lips, gums, and tongue, and the insides of the cheeks and roof of the mouth for indications of oral cancer. A red or white area, pain, or a lump are potential signs of oral cancer.
Using a mirror, the dentist will also check regions such as the back of the tongue. To simplify the process of viewing and feeling lumps, the dentist may use a gauze pad to shift the tongue to the side. The patient should report any oral pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, bite changes, or oral bleeding to the dentist.
Every dental exam will include a check for early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis. This dental health issue might be the result of not flossing or brushing properly. It can, however, be a symptom of an inflammatory illness, such as diabetes. If left untreated, gum disease can cause bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.
The dentist will examine the patient’s gums for signs of gum disease, such as redness or swelling. In addition, they may use a tiny instrument between teeth and gums to see if the gums peel away from the teeth or bleed easily. Bad breath, a foul taste, or loose teeth are all potential signs of gum disease.
A part of the dental examination occurs outside the mouth. For example, a lump behind the jaw might suggest a swollen or clogged salivary gland. Swollen lymph nodes beneath the jaw and around the neck can be a symptom of infection or malignancy. The dentist will check the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect the lower jaw to the skull. The dentist may ask patients to open and close their mouth while placing their fingers on the joints. TMJ disease can cause clicking, popping, or discomfort. TMJ disorder can be the result of an incorrect bite, teeth grinding, or arthritis.
Patients of all ages can benefit from comprehensive dental checkups. The dentist will discuss any concerns you may have, answer questions, and put together a treatment plan for a healthy smile during your appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.elmstfamilydental.com or call Elm Street Family Dental at 5413939196 for an appointment in our Albany office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: General Dentist in Albany, OR.
A general dentist can help you to get past any toothache. Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator there is something wrong with that specific tooth.Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma. It can also be a symptom of an…
Wondering if you should choose a general dentist as your next dental professional? Keep in mind that choosing a new dentist is like choosing a new health care professional, as general dentists are your go-to professionals whenever you are in need of any type of dental care. If you need more detailed dental work, then…
For patients who have been avoiding seeing a general dentist because of fear or apprehension, it may be helpful to know that they are not alone. A 2015 study published in Dental Research Journal found that 58.8% of dental patients surveyed experienced dental anxiety. For patients with severe dental phobia, there are several steps they…
Just about every patient who visits a dental practice will leave with a few tips about oral hygiene. Dental professionals can be a valuable resource for how to keep the mouth healthy and can talk at length about oral hygiene. Here are four things a dentist may want you to know about how to care…
Clear aligners, also called invisible aligners, are transparent aligner trays that are considered an aesthetic alternative to traditional braces. They are produced from medical-grade thermoplastic material. The aligner trays put pressure on the teeth in critical areas to move them in the right direction. Teeth straightening with clear aligners can include up to 30 trays,…
If you’ve ever broken a tooth, then you’ve likely had a dental crown put on. What you may not know is what exactly a crown is and how they are used by the dentist. The crown itself is a very versatile dental application that works to restore the shape of a tooth as well as…