The oral cavity is an index of overall health. Keeping it clean and healthy is mandatory for every individual. With increased awareness among individuals regarding dental health and dentistry being very expensive, many people are opting for a regular dental exam, as it is rightly said, prevention is better than cure. Let's get into detail about what to expect during a dental exam. HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A DENTAL EXAM? It is recommended by many dentists to get your oral cavity checked at least twice annually. During a dental examination, your dentist takes your previous medical history, dental history, any x-rays if needed. Any abnormalities and changes in the oral cavity can be addressed during the dental exam. If required, professional dental cleaning can also be done during regular dental exams.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK THE DENTIST? Ask About Bones In The Jaws: Usually, bone changes can be appreciated better only after 6 months. Hence it is advised to get radiographs taken every 6 months to know the condition of the bone, as they may not be appreciated clinically but might end up as a chronic disease if not taken care of. Ask About Gums: Your dentist examines your gums as gum swelling can be caused due to many reasons. A few of them are medications, systemic illnesses, burns, and allergic reactions to certain metals or fillings. Once the examination is done, the dentist prescribes certain mouthwashes and medications accordingly to reduce the gum swelling and bring them back to a healthy state. Ask About Cavities: Your dentist also examines your teeth for any cavities. Dental caries is reversible when detected early. When caries are detected in the white chalky lesion stage, your dentist might recommend tooth remineralizing pastes, so that cavity formation and demineralization of the tooth can be prevented. Even when a tooth cavity is seen, it can be restored with appropriate restorative material when detected early, avoiding painful root canal treatments. Hence a dental exam plays a crucial role in the timely assessment of your pearly whites. Ask About Plaque And Tartar: Plaque and tartar will be the main complaints of patients regularly, and they can be addressed during a routine dental checkup. Removal of tartar requires professional dental cleaning, which can be done by your dentist or dental hygienist. It is called “oral prophylaxis” and it usually takes around 15-20 minutes if you have moderate plaque and tartar. It may take even longer if there are heavy tartar and stains, and your dentist or dental hygienist might give you extra appointments to get your teeth completely cleaned. The amount of plaque on teeth will be checked by your dentist by using certain dyes, and oral hygiene instructions and brushing techniques will be given to you accordingly. Ask About Trauma Or Injury: Traumatic lesions and growths in the oral cavity should be monitored regularly as they may lead to oral cancer if not addressed initially. VELscope is a device that is used to detect oral mucosal abnormalities, and your dentist might address oral lesions using Velscope during a dental exam. Ask About Crooked Teeth And Their Effects: Crooked teeth alignment is another major problem, especially among teenagers. Bullying in school and peer pressure are the major reasons for them to end up in a dentist’s office. When they come to the dental exam, they will be counseled and reassured by the dentist. Teenagers, along with their parents, will be explained about the causes and problems of crooked teeth, and this helps prevent many dental problems in their adulthood. Hence regular dental exams play a crucial role in building a healthy lifestyle in young adults.

HOW LONG DOES A DENTAL EXAM TAKE? A routine dental exam might take 15-20 minutes in a healthy adult with good oral hygiene. However, if you have dental and oral health issues, your dentist might take a little longer to run some tests and advise on good oral health. The dentist also addresses the issues noticed during a dental examination, diagnoses, and suggests appropriate treatments. Dentistry is never expensive, but your neglect is. It is always advisable to go to a regular dental exam as it saves a lot of trouble that one might face in the future physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Book an appointment now and get your oral cavity checked, as prevention is always better than cure.