What Happens at an Oral Exam at Your Dentist Office?

oral exam Chamblee, GA

Has it been some time since you visited the dentist’s office for an oral exam? If so, you may be wondering what the process entails. The following will help you prepare for your visit and alleviate any anxiety you may be feeling.

The oral exam process

While all dentists differ in some ways, most will follow the same steps during an oral exam. This helps to identify any concerns and ensure the health of your teeth. Here is what happens during an oral exam with your dentist.

Medical history

Before the exam, you will be asked for a complete dental and medical history. All medications need to be disclosed as well as any chronic diseases that could affect oral health. This information will allow the dentist to focus on the areas that the chronic condition can affect. It will enable the dental team to create a better oral health care plan for you. If you are visiting a dentist you have already been to, you will likely be asked if the information you provided at the last visit is still correct or if anything has changed.

Initial exam

The dentist, or sometimes a dental hygienist, will do a brief exam to identify any problems before continuing. This is an opportunity for you to point out any pain or issues before heading into the cleaning.

X-rays

X-rays will be taken of the teeth to identify any issues and to create a baseline for future treatments. The dentist can refer to these X-rays when examining changes in the teeth and gums at following visits. X-rays help identify bone loss, abnormalities, tooth decay, gum disease, tumors and cysts.

Cleaning

If there are no immediate problems that would hinder a cleaning, the dentist or a dental hygienist will clean the teeth, gum and mouth. This prepares it for the oral exam by removing anything that can harm the teeth or obstruct the dentist’s view.

Plaque and tartar are scraped from the teeth and gum line with a scaler. Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the hygienist will polish the teeth. A gritty toothpaste and electric toothbrush are used to leave the teeth shiny and smooth. The next step is flossing followed by a fluoride treatment. The fluoride treatment is typically applied as a gel and rinsed out with water.

Final inspection

Finally, the dentist will examine the teeth for gum disease, problems with alignment, signs of grinding or other potential issues. During the final oral exam, dental work such as bridges and fillings are inspected. The dentist will check areas of the mouth and throat for signs of oral cancer.

Continue to maintain your healthy smile by following the dentist’s instructions. Brush and floss daily and avoid foods and drinks that will stain your teeth.

Are you ready for your oral exam?

It is normal to experience anxiety and discomfort when visiting the dentist for the first time or after a long gap in care. Do not let this fear stop you from taking proper care of your health. You now know what to expect and can mentally prepare yourself for the visit.

To schedule your oral exam, call our office to choose a suitable time. We are happy to explain our process to help reduce your concerns.

Are you considering an oral exam in the Chamblee area? Get more information at https://chambleedental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

7 Rules To Make Your Dental Check-Up Easier

The purpose of a dental check-up goes further than merely getting your teeth cleaned. It is also an opportunity for a dentist to evaluate the patient's mouth and come up with a treatment plan for any issues that may not be known by the patient. Regular visits to the dentist's clinic are an integral part…

Which Foods And Drinks Stain Your Teeth The Most?

If you are worried about foods and drinks that stain your teeth, you are not alone. You can only do so much with flossing, brushing and attending 6-month dental visits. Many of the foods and beverages you enjoy pose a direct threat to the look and functionality of your teeth.Foods/beverages laden with sugar, acid and…

What Services Fall Under Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on protecting your mouth against common dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. It include simple things that you can do independently, like practicing oral hygiene, and procedures performed by dentists, like dental cleanings.Taking good care of your mouth makes you less likely to develop…

Recent Posts

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Teeth Whitening FAQs

It is helpful to have an in-depth understanding of teeth whitening before starting treatment. In general, teeth whitening performed in-office is a safe procedure with few risks, and knowing more about the process and what to expect can help you mentally and physically prepare for the procedure. There are certain questions that general dentists receive regularly.…

Tooth Extraction:   Do&#    ;s And Don&#    ;ts After Surgery

Tooth Extraction: 5 Do's And Don'ts After Surgery

It can be hard to know exactly how to recover properly after tooth extraction. Long ago, there was a lot of pain involved afterward, however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of less invasive techniques, which results in less swelling and less pain. Nonetheless, there are still a few things to consider after tooth…