Dental examinations are what most people think of when referring to a dentist appointment. Regular examinations are the best way to detect and prevent any oral disease and maintain good oral health. These examinations can also detect early signs of medical conditions that affect your overall health. At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics we offer our patients optimal care and clean, radiant smiles through our dental exams and regular cleanings.
WHAT ARE COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS?
A comprehensive examination is performed to help our dental team visualize any possible oral concerns our patients may have. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, and check for any signs of disease or decay. During this examination, we will also examine your neck and throat. X-rays may be used so we can detect any issues not immediately evident.
Comprehensive examinations are performed for preventative measures and to maintain your optimal dental health. Some dental concerns have minimal symptoms until they are in more advanced stages, so this helps us begin treatment for certain concerns before they progress.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A REGULAR DENTAL EXAMINATION?
During your regular dental cleaning appointment, our dental team will perform a thorough analysis of your teeth, gums, and oral health. During this examination, they will perform multiple screenings and evaluations to see if there are signs of disease, decay, or other concerns.
Some problems that can be identified through a dental exam beyond the typical cavity are bruxism (teeth grinding), sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), or even health problems like diabetes, oral cancer, or heart disease. This is where practicing good oral hygiene becomes important not just for regular teeth cleaning, but what a good dental care team can do for your overall health.
WHAT SERVICES DO DENTAL EXAMINATIONS INCLUDE?
There are different ways that our dental team checks for any oral health problems. These include:
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Gum Disease Screening
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Oral Cancer Screening
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Gum Disease Evaluation
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Tooth Decay Evaluation
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Measurement of Gum Pocket and Tracking
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X-Rays
WHEN SHOULD I GET A DENTAL EXAMINATION?
It’s most common to see your dentist twice per year. This has been shown to be the most beneficial minimum frequency for preventative care. Although most people get a regular dental checkup every six months, this number can vary. At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we can create a personalized treatment plan for each of our patients so that we can take care of all of their unique dental needs. Some patients may not need to see the dentist as much as others. Patients who have a high risk of developing oral diseases should get examinations more often. These high-risk patients are:
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Pregnant women
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People who smoke
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People with weak immune systems
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People who are susceptible to cavities
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People with plaque buildup
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Patients with periodontal disease currently
If you fit into any of these categories, it’s important to speak with our team so that we can create a custom dental services plan for your regular visits. These visits are designed to help prevent possible oral concerns from happening or detect issues that have started.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Is it time for you to get a dental exam? These exams are essential for making sure that our patients’ teeth, gums, and bodies are healthy. At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, our passion is making sure our patients in and around Reno, Nevada are healthy and have beautiful smiles. To make an appointment, call our office or fill out an online form so our patient care coordinators will reach out.