Dental Examinations

cleaning of kids teeth

 

Dental examinations are the first step in reaching your optimal oral health. During these important visits, Dr. Donald will perform a thorough dental examination in order to diagnose any conditions which need to be address or to determine if anything has changed with your oral health since your last regular visit. These dental exams serve as a benchmark for your overall health and should take place at least every 6 months.

During a dental examination, the dentist will perform a visual examination, and possibly take x-rays in order to detect:

  • New cavities
  • Weaknesses in existing sealants, fillings, & crowns
  • Gum disease or recession
  • Teeth deterioration due to abnormal bite, bruxism or TMJ

Dr. Donald may also perform a visual and digital examination of lymph nodes throughout the face and neck looking for any abnormalities, pain, or flexibility within the nodes that could be markers for systemic diseases.

Likewise, a similar examination of your lips, gums, tongue and other internal mouth surfaces will be conducted, again looking for any signs of oral cancer or systemic diseases.

A dental examination is a valuable part of your preventative health maintenance plan, and the dentist is your ally in keeping an eye out for dental disease or other illnesses you may not be aware of.