Some patients think that dental exams are a hassle or a nuisance, but seeing your dentist twice each year offers significant protection to your oral health. You receive important professional services during these appointments, and they entail a minimal investment of your time and energy and result in maximum benefits.
Services Included In Dental Exams
When a dentist examines your teeth and gums and other soft oral tissues, your smile is inspected for signs of oral diseases, including cavities and gum disease. You will also receive an oral cancer screening. Patients get x-rays annually, as well, so that any cavities between the teeth or issues with the bone can be detected. Additionally, a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth to eliminate any plaque and tartar that may have accumulated since your last checkup.
Interesting Dental Exam Facts
- It won’t hurt! The external surfaces of your teeth don’t have any nerve endings, so you won’t feel anything as the dental hygienist cleans your teeth. Similarly, the exam doesn’t involve anything that causes pain for the patient. If you are still nervous about discomfort during the exam, you can talk to your provider about possible sedation options.
- They can save your life. Oral cancer screenings are part of the dental exam, and when this condition is diagnosed early before it can spread to surrounding tissues, the patient’s long-term prognosis is quite good. The five-year survival rate declines significantly when oral cancer has metastasized.
- You need to have exams every six months even if you brush and floss every day. Daily oral hygiene habits are tremendously important, but they are not sufficient alone to protect your oral health. You still need to have cleanings by a professional hygienist and have your smile examined every six months for optimal oral health.
- Routine care can prevent the need for more involved interventions. Some patients put off seeing a dentist until they’re facing some sort of emergency situation, but this approach is misguided. It actually increases the likelihood that you’ll need to have a more involved treatment. Semiannual exams improve your chances of early treatment for oral diseases, which are conservative and highly effective.
Has it been more than six months since your last dental exam? Get back on track by calling our team at Bliss Dental today to schedule an appointment.