Dental Exam Specialist

When should I schedule routine dental exams?

There’s no doubt that regular visits to your dentist prevent significant problems and preserve your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that your overall dental health should determine the frequency of your dental checkups.

Your Willow Glen Dental Center dentist recommends when to schedule your exam based on your individual risk factors for dental or periodontal disease.

What happens during my dental exam?

While looking for cavities is an important part of your regular dental checkup, the Willow Glen Dental Center team does more than that. They review your medical history to uncover issues that could affect your dental health and thoroughly evaluate your oral health.

Your dental exam will begin with the dental hygienist, and then you’ll see the dentist. You’ll receive routine services like:

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays are all-important in determining the health of your teeth. They show hidden areas of decay and the earliest signs of gum disease and other problems. You might not need X-rays at every dental checkup, but if you do, digital X-rays use minimal radiation.

Professional teeth cleaning

Your dental hygienist examines your teeth, looks for signs of cavities and gum disease, and cleans your teeth. Dental hygienists use a metal instrument called a scaler to remove hardened tartar and plaque. Then they deep clean and polish your teeth using a rotary tool and a mildly abrasive toothpaste.

Treatment recommendations

After your cleaning, your Willow Glen Dental Center dentist reviews your X-rays and examines your teeth and gums. They look for soft enamel and evaluate existing fillings, bridges, dentures, crowns, and other restorations to make sure they don’t need to be updated or replaced.

Your dentist also screens for oral cancer, looking for sores, a lump in your cheeks, and white or red spots on your tongue, gums, or the lining of your mouth. If any dental problems are found, your dentist will recommend the right treatment.

Can I get help with daily dental care?

During your dental exam, your Willow Glen Dental Center providers take plenty of time to answer your questions and talk with you about how to care for your teeth. Whether you have questions about how often to brush, the type of toothbrush or toothpaste to use, or how to care for bridges and dentures, you’ll receive thoughtful, helpful answers.

If you haven’t had a dental exam in 6-12 months or longer, call or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment at Willow Glen Dental Center.