About Dental Exams
Dental examinations are a very important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Our dentists and hygienists recommend that their Los Alamitos patients schedule a consultation and examination with them at least once a year at Beachwood Dental. This examination is effective in detecting early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions that may go unnoticed. During a standard examination, our dental team will inspect the teeth and probe the gums thoroughly for signs of disease or cavities. In addition, X-Rays will typically be taken to ensure the teeth are strong and healthy. If anything is detected, then the next step will be to discuss treatment options and restore the patient's teeth back to their optimal level of health.
Reviews
What to Expect
A thorough dental examination will start with a conversation between our dentist and the patient. One of our dentists will ask about the patient's recent health, including any current medications, illnesses, and surgeries. Our dentist will also ask the patient if they have noticed any changes or areas of concern. To get a complete picture of the patient's mouth, our dentist will begin by taking digital X-rays to see the teeth, gums, and bones. Our dentist will then perform a visual check of the mouth and then continue the exam with palpation (touch) to check for signs of oral cancer, decay, and disease. Our dentist will also use probing tools to check the health of the gums by measuring the depth of the gum pockets and looking for areas of inflammation.
Treatment Aftercare
If our dentist finds any areas of concern during the dental examination, they will talk to the patient about possible preventative measures that may be performed at the office or at home. Our dentist will let the patient know when they should schedule their next dental exam to check on their progress. In some cases, our dentist may recommend further testing or refer the patient to a specialist.
Prevent and Protect
Be sure to schedule and attend your annual dental examination so you and your dentist can keep your teeth, gums, and jaw healthy. With regular dental exams, your dentist can notice subtle changes that can lead to faster, more effective treatments when problems do arise. A few minutes in one of our dentist's chair for an annual exam can save you hours of time and discomfort in extensive procedures and recovery time.
