Dental Exams and Check-Ups
Why Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams can take place every six months to one year. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities, and gum disease.
What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?
At a typical dental exam, one of our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any surface stains, plaque or deposits of calculus. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. X-rays will be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and identify any problems. X-rays are a vital tool needed to diagnose decay not clinically visible. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, floss, or use a toothpaste with fluoride. Dr. Schulte will sit down and evaluate xrays, as well as, look clinically in the mouth to develop a treatment plan addressing any issues of concern.
How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?
The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage, and current dental care methods with us. Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.