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://www.sandstondds.com or call Sandston Comprehensive Dentistry at (804) 412-0878 for an appointment in our Sandston office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Dental Exam in Sandston, VA.
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…
Visits to your general dentist are done routinely, which for most people is twice per year or every six months. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning. What is that? In this article, we will review what a dental cleaning is and when you might be due for one.Just like spring cleaning in…
Considering cosmetic dental work from a general dentist? Although cosmetic dentistry is its own field, general dentists also offer an array of procedures that can be used to improve the way that the teeth look. There are a lot of different procedures that can be performed in a general dentistry setting. Keep reading to find…
The effects of sensitive teeth are not limited to inconvenience during meals. Tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of a bigger problem with the potential to affect your general health. Thankfully, this is not always the case. Keep reading to find out the different causes of tooth sensitivity. Some causes suggest issues that could potentially…