Dental Examinations
Routine dental examinations are a very important part of preventative oral care for adults and children. More frequent dental exams may be necessary, depending on your unique circumstances.
? Why are frequent dental examinations important?
Dental exams allow our dentists to keep an eye on your oral health, and to catch issues before they become major problems. Oftentimes, dental problems get worse without proper attention and treatment. We are able to provide proper treatment for you.
If tooth decay goes undetected and untreated, for instance, it can cause significant damage, which will require more time and money to fix.
Just remember, it is much more cost effective to see your dentist once every six months for checkup appointments than it will cost to fix major dental problems due to non-existent preventative oral care measures.
What to expect during routine dental exam appointments
Typically, we perform the oral exam and teeth cleaning during the same appointment. When you come in for your appointment, one of our dental hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth. We will then take and review the x-rays. We will visually inspect your teeth and gums using special instruments (i.e. a long-handled mirror and a dental explorer).
We will look for potential dental problems, including problems with the gums. Healthy gums will be firm and pink, and your teeth won’t have any rough, soft, or discolored surfaces. The dentist will also inspect your teeth and gums, and recommend any treatment for decay or other problems.
If you are ready to schedule your routine dental exam appointment, call Washington Smiles today.