Many people think that regular oral hygiene is sufficient to keep their oral health in check. If you don’t have regular dental exams and cleanings, your oral and overall health will suffer. Regular dental visits at My Family Dental help reduce your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. It is recommended that you should visit your dentist in Edmonton at least twice a year to maintain your dental health.
What happens during a dental examination?
Your dentist examines your neck, face, lower jaw, and lymph nodes during a dental exam. The rest of your dental examination will consist of:
- Keeping an eye out for indicators of gum disease
- Examining any teeth that are chipped, cracked, fractured, or loose
- Examining your bite
- Looking for indications of oral cancer on the inside of the mouth
- Examining for caries or any other previous fillings for damage
- X-rays of your teeth
What are the reasons why a dental exam is necessary?
- Early treatment of gum disease – Plaque and tartar buildup can have damaging consequences for the teeth and gums. Our knowledgeable team can help resolve gum disease when detected early.
- Early detection of oral cancer – Oral cancer can be treated if detected earlier. Our dental team can help you search for indicators of oral cancer, which includes looking inside the mouth with a special light for dead tissue caused by tumors.
- Take care of minor oral health issues quickly – Our dentist can help fix your cavity when it is still in its early stages. Ignoring the dental cavities may lead to disease progression and will result in a more complex dental treatment.
- Rectifying teeth clenching or grinding – Bruxism, or teeth clenching, can contribute to tooth deterioration and changes in your bite. Custom night guards are available for bruxism therapy to protect your teeth while you sleep.
- Detecting other health issues – Our general dentist can detect severe health issues like enlarged lymph nodes during a dental exam. We can then refer you to your primary care physician for further treatment.
- Teaching basic oral hygiene techniques – An important aspect of your at-home dental routine is brushing and flossing correctly. Our hygienists can advise you on the best oral hygiene practices.
- Examining your jaw or bite for abnormalities – TMJ therapy can help with TMJ dysfunction, leading to chronic headaches and ear pain if left untreated. Nightguards are recommended when it comes to resolving TMJ dysfunction.
My Family Dental encourages patients to schedule regular dental exams every six months. This enables our dental experts to detect and treat oral health issues early on before they become more serious. Untreated oral health problems can harm your overall health. While skipping a dentist appointment may not seem urgent, oral health problems can begin and grow quickly, such as periodontal disease. Call us at 780-937-3737 to book an appointment!