Look Forward to Your Dental Visit!
Personalized care for you and your smile.
You do everything you can to promote your family’s good health and wellbeing.
You cook nutritious foods, exercise regularly, sleep well, and visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. Another important factor in your health, however, is your teeth and mouth. If you’re in the Greenville, SC area, good dental health begins with a dental exam by Trail West Family Dentistry.
What Does a Dental Exam Involve?
Dental exams are a fairly quick, painless procedure, but they are an important part of preventive dental care. During the exam, your dental professional will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, but that’s not all. During your dental exam visit can expect your dentist to:
- Talk to you about your overall health.
- Discuss your oral hygiene regimen.
- Determine your personal risk factors for tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease.
- Discuss tooth restoration or replacement for broken or missing teeth.
- Check your jaw and bite for anything out of the ordinary.
- Clean the stains and deposits on and between your teeth.
- Talk about proper oral cleaning techniques.
- Take dental X-rays and perform other diagnostic procedures as needed.
How Long Does a Dental Exam Take?
The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time in the dentist’s chair, and we understand that. Don’t worry, a regular dental exam at Trail West Dentistry doesn’t take a lot of time. In fact, most exams are completed in less than an hour so you get in and out fast. Of course, if you have extensive dental issues, your exam may take a bit longer, but we assure you it will still be a painless procedure.
Is a Dental Exam Really Painless?
Absolutely. The majority of your dental exam is all about looking at the oral hygiene of your teeth and gums, which doesn’t hurt at all. X-rays are very simple and, again, there is no pain involved. Having your teeth cleaned by a dentist or hygienist can be a bit uncomfortable, but it’s not painful. In fact, after your teeth have been cleaned chances are your mouth and teeth will feel better than they did.
Why Are Dental Exams So Important?
One of the most important reasons for regular dental exams is prevention of future dental issues. During the exam, if any cavities or other issues are found, they can be addressed right away. Putting off dental exams, on the other hand, means a small problem can develop into a larger, more serious issue later on. In addition, dental exams can often help uncover other underlying health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and lupus.
How Often Should I Have a Dental Exam?
The American Dental Association recommends that both children and adults have a dental exam performed every six months. Even if you have dentures, you should visit the dentist at least twice a year for a check up. Keep in mind, however, that this is just a recommendation and your dentist may determine that you or your child should have an exam at a different interval. For individuals with risk factors that can affect their oral health, quarterly exams may be necessary.
Schedule Dental Exams for the Whole Family
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is vital to your wellbeing and that’s why regular flossing and brushing are essential. In addition, a bi-annual dental exam is an effective way to address current dental problems and protect you against future dental issues. If you have questions about dental exams or concerns about your dental health, contact us at Trail West Dentistry. We’ll be happy to schedule your dental exam appointment with Dr. Philip Gould or Dr. Terry Willis right away so you can get the dental care you need