What a General Dentist Exam Involves

What a General Dentist Exam Involves from Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC in Albuquerque, NMGood oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions:

  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Tooth misalignment
  • Systemic disease

Many people put off visiting a dentist due to fear of the unknown or pain, but in reality, a dental exam involves nothing to fear and is typically painless, as well as being invaluable for maintaining optimum health.

The elements of a routine exam

Visiting a general dentist is similar to seeing other practitioners in that specific protocols are followed. Most visits involve the following steps:

History

The first part of any general dental visit involves taking a thorough medical history. Documenting a patient's medications, illnesses, allergies, health changes, oral concerns, or pregnancy status, can help determine potential treatments.

Cleaning

A certified dental hygienist usually provides a thorough cleaning of the patient's teeth. Special tools allow the hygienist to scrape plaque and tartar from the surfaces and beneath the gum line. Some patients request a topical numbing agent for the gums to reduce sensations, but this is not necessary for most. Tooth polishing and flossing eliminate rough spots on the teeth and residual particles.

Images

A general dentist usually recommends X-rays of the entire mouth every few years, unless there is a history that warrants greater frequency. Low-radiation X-ray imagery is an essential diagnostic tool to examine the teeth roots, the jawbone, and the conditions below the gum line. It detects conditions that are not visible during a surface examination or do not yet cause a patient to experience noticeable symptoms.

Examination

After the dental hygienist cleans the patient's teeth, the dentist interprets the X-rays and examines the patient's mouth and neck for abnormalities and disease. During the exam, a dentist listens for clicking jaw joints and looks for bite misalignment, teeth that show wear, cavities and tooth sensitivity, and hard lumps associated with oral cancer.

Recommendations

A general dentist can help patients prevent various dental problems by making recommendations for brushing, flossing, and other home care measures. Some patients may require more frequent exams to thwart issues that the dentist predicts could cause tooth damage or loss. At times, a dentist may refer patients for advanced treatments for conditions resulting from genetics, illnesses, non-adherence to oral hygiene regimens, or medication side effects.

Why general dental exams are important

Routine dental visits help educate patients about good hygiene habits, manage and prevent oral disease, and address cosmetic concerns. In addition to preventing tooth loss and costly procedures, exams detect many systemic diseases and conditions of the body that initiate in the mouth before they are fully manifest. A dental exam can reveal evidence of lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, leukemia, anemia, various endocrine disorders, and other concerns, enabling patients to receive early treatments.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Albuquerque, NM

Conclusion

Everyone should regularly visit a general dentist for a simple, painless, and thorough examination. Home care regimens cannot substitute for the in-depth evaluation that occurs during a dental exam.

Request an appointment or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at 505-634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

Recent Posts

General Dentist Vs. Family Dentist: What You Should Know

Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important process. While a general dentist and a family dentist offer similar services, there are significant differences between these dental specialties. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best fits your and your family's needs.A general dentist is a primary…

5 Tips On How To Choose A General Dentist

Choosing a general dentist is an important and personal decision. This dental professional plays a significant role in helping you maintain your oral and overall health. Finding the right dentist for you can make all the difference in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make…

How A General Dentist Can Help Protect Your Teeth

A key part of a general dentist's job is helping patients protect their teeth from damage, wear, and decay. Preventing dental problems can help patients save time, trouble, discomfort, and money. Here is a closer look at how general dentists help patients keep their teeth in good condition.General dentists may provide the following preventive services…

Recent Posts

Implant Dentistry And Tooth Decay Risks

Implant Dentistry And Tooth Decay Risks

Implant dentistry is a popular form of teeth replacement due to its advantages over alternative options such as removable dentures and fixed bridges. Although dental implants are not at risk of decay, protecting natural teeth from decay remains crucial in keeping an attractive and healthy smile.You can protect your natural teeth and implant dentistry restorations…

General Dentist Vs  Family Dentist: What You Should Know

General Dentist Vs. Family Dentist: What You Should Know

Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important process. While a general dentist and a family dentist offer similar services, there are significant differences between these dental specialties. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best fits your and your family's needs.A general dentist is a primary…

Summer Specials Available through August 2022