Dental exams are an important part of visiting a general dentist. The examination portion of the appointment is crucial in catching any warning signs that may indicate problems, such as cavities or gum disease.
In particular, gum disease can be difficult to notice as it may present itself without any major warning signs. With that being said, it is important to never skip dental exams as they allow the general dentist the opportunity to identify these signs and implement a plan to address them.
Below is an overview of gum disease, including how it checked for during a dental exam, as well as what the signs may be. This information can be helpful to review as it gives individuals a chance to prepare for what might be upcoming.
A dental exam in general dentistry involves the patient lying extremely still while each tooth is looked at. From there, both sides of the gums are also carefully inspected. The general dentist may use small tools to perform the exam; however, there is not any pain involved. On average, a dental exam may take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
In addition to the examination of the teeth and gums, the dentist will also take x-rays. X-rays are images taken, which highlight deeper areas of the oral cavity. For example, it shows the bone and roots beneath, which can be helpful when trying to identify an infection or problem area. Not all infections are visible to the naked eye, which is why x-rays do play an important role.
Gum disease, in particular, is not examined for the same way that the teeth are looked at. The dentist will use a small dental tool to measure the gum pockets. While the tool does have a sharper end, it is important to know that there will not be any pain. The tool will measure how deep the gum pockets are and determine if they are too deep. From there, the dental examination will also include looking for any warning signs.
When thinking that gum disease is a problem, the general dentist will look for a few specific things during the dental exam. Outlined below are a few of the signs.
It is highly recommended to visit a general dentist at least twice a year. This gives them the opportunity to perform a dental exam and cleaning, both of which are necessary in order to maintain good oral health. Additionally, if any warning signs are indicated, a plan of action can be put into place. To find out more about dental exams or gum disease, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://crispinchangdds.com or call Santa Ana Dentistry at (714) 782-0357 for an appointment in our Santa Ana office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Dental Exam in Santa Ana, CA.
A deep teeth cleaning is not just a procedure needed after skipping dental visits. Instead, a deep teeth cleaning is designed to help combat periodontal disease and gum recession, both of which can lead to irreversible oral health problems. Of course, some individuals who skip routine maintenance from the dentist may need a deep teeth…
Getting a dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. However, it can be difficult to know how often to get one done. Most general dentists recommend dental cleanings twice a year, but there are certain signs to be aware of that can indicate a need for them more frequently. Outlined below are…
Although many individuals are aware that general dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning on a regular basis, not everyone follows suit. Most people operate under the mindset that at-home oral hygiene is enough to do the job, but that is far from true. Professional teeth cleanings are just as essential as visiting a doctor on an…
Using the right toothbrush is part of preventive dentistry. Your dental health is more secure if you have the right tool for cleaning your teeth and gums. An effective toothbrush can help you reach your dental health goals. If you want to know the basics of choosing the right toothbrush as part of preventive dentistry,…
When dentists use the term “clear braces,” the oral health care providers are probably referring…
Professional teeth whitening is safe, effective and can significantly enhance a person's smile, especially once…
Research shows that patients who care for their veneer-treated teeth can have these restorations for…
Preventive dentistry professionals recommend replacing a toothbrush every three to four months.
Dental bonding is a dental procedure that involves placing and molding composite resin to a…
A dental filling is one of the most common ways to restore teeth that are…
