Facts Everyone Should Know About Routine Dental Exams

When was the last time you voluntarily went to see a dentist? For many people, dental visits feel like a luxury or a burden. They figure that for as long as their mouths are healthy, there is no need for a trip to the dentist. However, like a general body checkup, dental exams are very beneficial to your oral health. The emphasis is more on preventive care than restorative and emergency care.

What are Dental Exams?

Dental exams are tests that dentists in Tampa perform to monitor and evaluate your oral health. Often, dental exams and cleanings are offered as a package as a preventive measure to preserve excellent oral health.

If you are a first-time patient, you need a comprehensive dental exam. The tests for a comprehensive oral exam will ensure the dentist thoroughly and adeptly evaluate every aspect of your mouth. However, routine dental exams are a lot more strategic. The dentist will focus on aspects of your mouth that are more vulnerable than others while building up a dental record that helps with all diagnoses and treatments.

What Do Dental Exams Entail?

When you visit us at New Tampa Smiles for an oral exam, you should expect the following tests:

1. Physical test – a dentist will examine your mouth using touch and sight. The physical test should help the dentist identify any anomalies that may be symptoms of oral problems. These tests are a great conversation starter with your dentist. During the physical test, your dentist may ask several questions that will provide a vivid background and history about your oral cavity.
2. Digital tests – are tests that help examine and evaluate the internal aspects of your smile. Typically, the dentist can only see very little during a physical exam. For example, if you damaged nerve endings, a dentist may not see it without digital approaches. The tests include using x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound to take 2D and 3D images of the internal aspects of the mouth. Using the digital images, your dentist can come up with an accurate diagnosis and determine the kind of treatment you need.
3. Oral screenings – regular dental exams incorporate screening tests for mouth cancer. Patients with a high risk of oral cancer must get regular screenings to check for any anomalies like tumors, lumps, and white patches in the mouth.

Fast Facts About Dental Exams

The better you understand the value of dental exams near you, the more you will be at ease to visit your dentist, whether you have a dental problem or not. Some incredible facts about dental exams are:

1. Everyone needs dental exams – even though you are intentional about maintaining excellent oral health, you need a dental exam. The examination will help you keep track of your general oral health through the assisted lens of your dentist.
2. Dental exams are more effective when they are regular – routine dental visits are the best way to proactively take care of your dental health. You should have a dental exam at least once every three to six months.
3. Dental exams influence oral hygiene – a dentist near you will equip you with all relevant information for excelling in oral health. For instance, a dental exam session will help you realize how incredibly important your toothbrush is. It needs to be clean at all times and replaced every three months to serve effectively.
4. Dental exams can save you money – at face value, it will feel like dental exams are time-consuming and waste your money. However, the long-term benefits of oral exams go a long way in sustaining your oral health. Matters of infections, damages, and other oral problems are caught very early, sparing you future visits to a dental ER for urgent oral care. Besides, preventive care is a lot less costly than multiple restorative dental approaches.
5. Bad breath is enough reason to see your dentist – persistent bad breath (halitosis) should make you want to visit a dentist for a dental exam. It may help you determine whether you have an underlying infection in your gums or teeth.