Why does your dentist want to
schedule another appointment with you so soon - even if today's
oral examination was perfect? Regular dental visits are
essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. For maximum
benefit, a good home care regimen must be supplemented with an
examination at least every six months. Depending on the status
of your oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent
visits.
Teeth & gums immediately after dental cleaning. |
Several months after cleaning,
teeth can have plaque build-up as well as stains from
food, beverages, tobacco, etc. |
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Over time, plaque build-up can harden into tartar (or
calculus) formation. |
Checking your teeth for decay is
only a small part of a thorough oral exam. During each visit,
your dentist (or dental hygienist) will also: check your gums (gingiva)
for inflammation, tooth mobility and pockets; examine your mouth
for indications of possible cancer, diabetes and vitamin
deficiencies; and note any irregularities in your facial
structure, bite, saliva and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your
dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth and encourage you to
maintain good oral hygiene.
The Regular Dental Visit
At every regularly-scheduled dental
appointment, your dentist examines your teeth, gums, mouth and
throat. A regular dental visit may include the following: |
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HEAD & NECK EXAMINATION
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The Cancer Exam |
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Facial Structure Exam |
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Palpation of Chewing Muscles |
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Palpation of Lymph Nodes |
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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) |
CLINICAL DENTAL EXAMINATION
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Periodontal Exam- including gingiva, periodontal pockets |
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Mobility of Teeth |
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Mucous Membranes |
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Saliva (or lack of it) |
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Occlusion (Bite) |
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Decay of Teeth |
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Broken Fillings |
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Erosion |
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Removable Appliances |
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Contact Between Teeth |
DENTAL CLEANING (PROPHYLAXIS)
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Assessment of Mouth Cleanliness |
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Scaling |
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Polishing |
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Flossing |
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Oral Hygiene Instructions |
After completing the clinical
dental exam, your dentist might outline a detailed treatment
plan, if necessary, and indicate when you need to return for a
follow-up visit. Regular preventive maintenance of this type,
along with a thorough home care regimen, helps assure your good
oral health. |
