During a visit with a family dentist, they will likely order dental X-rays and conduct a thorough dental examination. The examination allows the dentist to detect any oral health or cosmetic concerns that need addressing. Then the patient and the family dentist can put together an appropriate treatment and prevention plan.
Dental examinations allow family dentists to detect signs of damage, decay, periodontal disease, orthodontic-related concerns, jaw complications or signs of early cancer. This review goes into depth on the signs of each potential concern.
Teeth damage can result from a blow to the mouth, during a nasty fall or it could be the result of something more subtle such as the effects of teeth grinding at night. Teeth decay can also develop slowly without the patient noticing or experiencing discomforting symptoms. During an exam with a family dentist, signs of bruxism, broken teeth, teeth decay and more are checked for. The family dentist can detect early signs before they become worse and require more extensive treatment.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main types of periodontal (gum) disease. Gingivitis is a less severe form of periodontal disease and can be treated through oral care changes, dietary changes and a dental cleaning from a family dentist. Periodontitis can develop if less severe gum disease goes on for too long, and then it may require a deep dental cleaning. Dental exams allow the family dentist to check for signs of gum disease so that treatment can be administered in the earliest stage possible when necessary.
During a dental exam, family dentists also check the alignment of the patient’s teeth and jaw. This checks for any bite complications such as an underbite, overbite, crossbite, etc. They also check for misalignments due to crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps between teeth and more. Based on their findings, the family dentist can make treatment recommendations and explain all available options.
Jaw complications such as TMJ disorder are more common than many patients think. Family dentists check for signs of jaw complications during a dental exam. Signs may include a stiff or locked jaw, a clicking sound when moving the jaw and pain. Early detection of jaw complications allows for more effective and less invasive treatment.
Patients may benefit from a more extensive oral cancer screening, but family dentists also check for early signs of oral cancer during a dental exam. If they notice any concerns, they may recommend additional testing to determine the official diagnosis of the concern in question.
Individuals can schedule a visit with our family dentistry by calling us or sending us a message. Our friendly team can answer questions, conduct a thorough oral examination to determine if there are any oral health issues and help you meet oral care and cosmetic treatment goals.
Are you considering a family dentist in the Pasco area? Get more information at https://www.hansenfamilydental.com or call us at (509) 302-2880.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Pasco, WA.
A family dentist often reminds patients that flossing matters just as much as brushing at home. While a toothbrush cleans the front, back, and chewing surfaces, floss reaches the tight spaces between teeth and under the gumline. Those areas can trap food particles and plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate…
Wondering when you should see an emergency dentist? Read on to learn more. Regular dental care can prevent emergency dental treatment. Unfortunately, dental emergencies do happen unexpectedly, even if you brush and floss regularly. In such cases, it is a great idea to visit an emergency dentist immediately.Many people do not know whether their dental…
Regular visits to a dental practice provide essential care for achieving and maintaining optimal oral health throughout a patient’s lifetime. Beyond treating immediate dental concerns, a dental practice emphasizes preventive care, patient education, and tailored treatments designed to safeguard oral health for years to come. Understanding the role of professional dental care underscores the importance…
Dental practices remain a primary resource for those seeking a healthy smile and who wish to address oral health issues in a timely manner. However, locating a suitable provider can seem challenging if you do not know what to look for. Here are five factors to consider when conducting your search.Many patients have diverse dental…