If you want to know what a regular dental visit in Bethesda, Maryland, could involve, then you’re in the right place. This post is going to cover all the aspects of a regular dental exam and give you a good idea of what to expect.
When your dentist in Bethesda, MD, is examining you at these regular checkups, they cannot do so with the same thoroughness that they would use if they were treating an actual problem. A dental exam involves several procedures and checks, but here are the basic ones that are performed during a regular dental checkup.
- Examination of diagnostic X-rays
Your dentist has to make sure that all of your teeth are in healthy condition and not in need of any procedures. And your dentist will use diagnostic X-rays to accomplish this task. A dental x-ray helps your dentist to see any issues with your teeth and the supporting structures. These digital images of your oral cavity let dentists make accurate diagnoses.
- Oral cancer screening
Your dentist will also be looking for any signs of oral cancer. In fact, your dentist ought to inspect your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the floor of your mouth for any abnormal tissue changes or lesions. If a patient is showing signs of oral cancer, then the next step will be to refer them to a specialist like an oncologist.
- Gum disease evaluation
Gum disease can be quite a serious problem, and it could lead to tooth loss. And as such, your dentist ought to evaluate the health of your gums in order to check for any signs of gum disease. Your dentist will look for the common signs of gum disease, such as redness and swelling in the gums.
- Examination of tooth decay
If you have ever had a cavity, then you know that brushing and flossing can prevent cavities from getting worse. As such, your dentist will check for any signs of tooth decay by examining your teeth and the surface of your gums with a probe or an explorer.
- Examination of existing restorations
If your dentist has placed a crown or a filling in your tooth, then they’ll also verify that these restorations are still fitted well for the tooth. And if there are any loose fillings and other issues with your existing restorations, then your dentist will fix them.
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