What is a dental exam?
Dental exams and dental cleanings are essential because if we don't see you regularly, a small problem can turn into a huge problem without you even knowing. Teeth have a very late warning system. Typically, there's no pain or anything involved until very late in the cycle of a cavity.
It's very important to see you every 6 months to take a look at that tooth and take an X-ray if necessary. We like to take X-rays at least every year, but preferably every 6 months, just to ensure there are no disease processes happening that we can address when they're small because that's when it's going to be the least costly and the least invasive to treat.
What does a dental exam include?
A dental exam will typically include at least one X-ray if we're doing a limited exam and focusing on a specific problem area, and a panoramic or a 3D CBCT X-ray. If it's a full exam and cleaning, we'll get your full mouth series of X-rays, and then the doctor will also come in and take a look. Our team is highly trained to take some great photos and explain to you what they're seeing so that before the doctor comes in, you already have some idea of what's going on. Typically, we will also do a cleaning that day if time allows.
What is a dentist looking for during an exam?
A dentist is looking first for any cavities, of course, but we're also looking at the bite. How's the occlusion or bite? That's a huge indicator of how healthy that tooth or your mouth is going to be long-term. If your bite is bad, if your teeth are crowded or crooked, or if they're hitting in the wrong spots, they're getting a lot of damage.
We like to align the bite and restore it first. We're looking at the bite, cavities, and the gums. How is the gum disease looking? Is there gum disease? How's the bone support and the gum health?
The last thing would be cosmetic. Are you happy with your smile? Do you love how your teeth look? Do you want to make changes? Do you want to do some teeth whitening or veneers? There are various things we look at: the bite, cavities, gum health, and cosmetics.
What recommendations may come from a dental exam?
Some recommendations that may come from a dental exam include whether any fillings are needed. What type of cleaning is necessary? Is a basic cleaning going to work, or do we need gum infection therapy, or SRP as we call it? Do we need to align the bite and restore it to a healthier position?
Some cases require a full mouth reconstruction if there's a lot of damage and the teeth are getting worn down. We also check for any disease processes, potential cancers, or anything where we need to refer you out for a biopsy. We do a head and neck exam and oral cancer screening complimentary at every comprehensive exam to make sure there are no pathologies or diseases that would require medical intervention. We look at the full gamut. We can even offer a sleep study if you show signs of snoring or sleep apnea.
How long does a dental exam take?
A full exam, typically, if you're a new patient, is scheduled with our hygienist, and it's scheduled for about 90 minutes. Sometimes it can take up to two hours if there are a lot of questions and details to go through, and that includes the time for the cleaning.
If it's a limited exam, we typically schedule that for about 40 minutes to an hour. Of course, if we start treatment the same day, you'll be with us longer to do the treatment, or we can schedule you back on a different day if necessary.
Are dental exams painful?
Dental exams are not painful. We just take pictures and look, dry the teeth a little, and explain to you what's going on. If you are in pain before you come in, we can give you some medicine, some local anesthetic to numb the area, so there's no discomfort while we're doing your exam.
How can I schedule a dental exam at Hillcrest Dental?
If you’re searching for quality dental care, we’re here to help. Call (702) 707-6895 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is committed to keeping your smile healthy.