Dental exams are an important part of visiting a general dentist. The examination portion of the appointment is crucial in catching any warning signs that may indicate problems, such as cavities or gum disease.
In particular, gum disease can be difficult to notice as it may present itself without any major warning signs. With that being said, it is important to never skip dental exams as they allow the general dentist the opportunity to identify these signs and implement a plan to address them.
Below is an overview of gum disease, including how it checked for during a dental exam, as well as what the signs may be. This information can be helpful to review as it gives individuals a chance to prepare for what might be upcoming.
A dental exam in general dentistry involves the patient lying extremely still while each tooth is looked at. From there, both sides of the gums are also carefully inspected. The general dentist may use small tools to perform the exam; however, there is not any pain involved. On average, a dental exam may take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
In addition to the examination of the teeth and gums, the dentist will also take x-rays. X-rays are images taken, which highlight deeper areas of the oral cavity. For example, it shows the bone and roots beneath, which can be helpful when trying to identify an infection or problem area. Not all infections are visible to the naked eye, which is why x-rays do play an important role.
Gum disease, in particular, is not examined for the same way that the teeth are looked at. The dentist will use a small dental tool to measure the gum pockets. While the tool does have a sharper end, it is important to know that there will not be any pain. The tool will measure how deep the gum pockets are and determine if they are too deep. From there, the dental examination will also include looking for any warning signs.
When thinking that gum disease is a problem, the general dentist will look for a few specific things during the dental exam. Outlined below are a few of the signs.
It is highly recommended to visit a general dentist at least twice a year. This gives them the opportunity to perform a dental exam and cleaning, both of which are necessary in order to maintain good oral health. Additionally, if any warning signs are indicated, a plan of action can be put into place. To find out more about dental exams or gum disease, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com or call René A. Talbot, DDS at (256) 382-6690 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Dental Exam in Huntsville, AL.
Wondering if a dental cleaning helps prevent gum disease? Preventive dentistry, including routine dental cleanings, is essential to having a healthy mouth because it helps patients avoid cavities, enamel wear, and gum disease. Therefore, regular dental cleanings are crucial to a dental patient's oral health.Signing up for a dental cleaning on a regular basis is…
A regular dental cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. While many people understand the importance of these appointments, the specifics of what happens during dental cleanings may remain a bit mysterious.In this review, we discuss the procedure of a typical dental cleaning, providing insight into the process and highlighting its significance in preventive…
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…
A dental cleaning is a simple and non-invasive dental procedure in which plaque and tartar accumulation is scaled away and the teeth and gum line are thoroughly cleaned and polished. There are several notable benefits of this preventive dental procedure that patients should understand. The benefits of dental cleaning include the ability to brighten and clean…
Endodontics is primarily thought of as restorative treatment, but it can have cosmetic benefits as well. Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice. A healthy-looking smile can make you look more attractive, compared to having damaged, poorly managed teeth. Restoring the way that a tooth looks can help improve your…
Veneers are a common type of dental restoration and can be used to cover up damaged teeth. Dental injuries, specifically, can occur from just about anything, but a common cause is in the workplace. While most may think of a back sprain or minor burn when it comes to workplace injuries, workplace dental injuries are…