What Happens at an Oral Exam at Your Dentist Office?

oral exam Los Gatos, CA

Has it been some time since you visited the dentist’s office for an oral exam? If so, you may be wondering what the process entails. The following will help you prepare for your visit and alleviate any anxiety you may be feeling.

The oral exam process

While all dentists differ in some ways, most will follow the same steps during an oral exam. This helps to identify any concerns and ensure the health of your teeth. Here is what happens during an oral exam with your dentist.

Medical history

Before the exam, you will be asked for a complete dental and medical history. All medications need to be disclosed as well as any chronic diseases that could affect oral health. This information will allow the dentist to focus on the areas that the chronic condition can affect. It will enable the dental team to create a better oral health care plan for you. If you are visiting a dentist you have already been to, you will likely be asked if the information you provided at the last visit is still correct or if anything has changed.

Initial exam

The dentist, or sometimes a dental hygienist, will do a brief exam to identify any problems before continuing. This is an opportunity for you to point out any pain or issues before heading into the cleaning.

X-rays

X-rays will be taken of the teeth to identify any issues and to create a baseline for future treatments. The dentist can refer to these X-rays when examining changes in the teeth and gums at following visits. X-rays help identify bone loss, abnormalities, tooth decay, gum disease, tumors and cysts.

Cleaning

If there are no immediate problems that would hinder a cleaning, the dentist or a dental hygienist will clean the teeth, gum and mouth. This prepares it for the oral exam by removing anything that can harm the teeth or obstruct the dentist’s view.

Plaque and tartar are scraped from the teeth and gum line with a scaler. Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the hygienist will polish the teeth. A gritty toothpaste and electric toothbrush are used to leave the teeth shiny and smooth. The next step is flossing followed by a fluoride treatment. The fluoride treatment is typically applied as a gel and rinsed out with water.

Final inspection

Finally, the dentist will examine the teeth for gum disease, problems with alignment, signs of grinding or other potential issues. During the final oral exam, dental work such as bridges and fillings are inspected. The dentist will check areas of the mouth and throat for signs of oral cancer.

Continue to maintain your healthy smile by following the dentist’s instructions. Brush and floss daily and avoid foods and drinks that will stain your teeth.

Are you ready for your oral exam?

It is normal to experience anxiety and discomfort when visiting the dentist for the first time or after a long gap in care. Do not let this fear stop you from taking proper care of your health. You now know what to expect and can mentally prepare yourself for the visit.

To schedule your oral exam, call our office to choose a suitable time. We are happy to explain our process to help reduce your concerns.

Are you considering an oral exam in the Los Gatos area? Get more information at https://www.scmountaindental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Preventive Dentistry - What Stains Teeth The Most?

A preventative dentistry question people commonly have is, "what stains teeth the most?" We will look at some of the foods and beverages that are teeth staining to help you avoid these and keep a white smile longer. There are lots of different foods that can stain teeth. Some are well known and obvious. Blueberries, for…

General Dentistry Services From A Dentist Near You

A dentist practicing general dentistry can provide restorative and preventive services. General dentists concentrate on a broad range of procedures and treatments. They also treat patients of every age range. If you want to know the general dentistry services you can get from a dentist near you, here are the details.These dental procedures focus on…

4 Daily Tips For Managing Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a condition that no one wants to have. Despite brushing and flossing every day, bad breath happens to everyone at times. Luckily, there are several ways you can improve your halitosis. If simple methods do not work, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if it…

Visiting A General Dentistry Office For Regular Visits: What To Expect

General dentistry visits are essential when looking to maintain good oral health. While at-home oral hygiene is an effective way to keep the gums and teeth in good shape, it alone is not enough. Seeing a general dentist at least twice a year for a check-up combined with at-home oral hygiene is the best way…

Recent Posts

Tips For Comfort And Secure Attachment For New Dentures

Tips For Comfort And Secure Attachment For New Dentures

Dentures help some people regain their smiles without surgery. Breaking them in is important. It is the period of making your prosthesis a part of your life. Learning how to wear your dental prosthesis is important. If you want to find out how to maintain a secure and comfortable attachment for your dentures, here are…

How Long Can A Smile Makeover Take?

How Long Can A Smile Makeover Take?

A smile makeover is a great way to improve the aesthetic, form and function of the smile for those that have unhealthy teeth and/or gums. The process involves anywhere from one to multiple procedures, depending on the patient's desires and goals. The number of procedures tends to dictate how long the entire process can take. Outlined…