Comprehensive Tooth Decay
The exam is performed at your initial dental visit and at following check-up exams that your dentist or hygienist will perform. Do not let the name General Dental Exam fool you, this is a comprehensive dental exam that will include all of the following main points.
Digital X-Rays
Our offices are equipped with the highest quality equipment available. By examining the digital x-rays your dental team can detect decay, bone loss, tumors, cavities, cysts, and numerous other dental situations, while helping the team map tooth and root positions.
Another important feature of this type of x-ray is that it allows interaction between you, our patient and your doctor. Instead of your dental team telling you the situation, they can show you on digital computer screens exactly what they are talking about and from many different views.
Oral Cancer Screening
Your team will check for signs of oral cancer in your mouth, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums. This is a painless and quick process.
Gum Disease Screening
Your hygienists will check your gums and bone around your teeth for signs of periodontal diseases. This is tested by using a periodontal probe, a tiny measuring stick, to measure the pocket depth.
Typically a healthy condition depth measures from 1 to 3 millimeters, anything over 4 millimeters in not healthy. Bigger numbers usually indicate pockets of infection that need treatment.
An examination for tooth decay is a standard dental procedure aimed at identifying early signs of cavities and assessing overall tooth health. During the assessment, the dentist visually inspects each tooth for discoloration, surface irregularities, or soft areas that indicate decay. Specialized instruments may be used to check the integrity of the enamel, while the gums and surrounding tissues are also evaluated to ensure there are no related issues.
Examination for tooth decay
Examination of Previous Done Work (Existing Restoration)
The examination of existing restorations involves a careful assessment of dental work that has already been completed, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and other restorative materials. During this evaluation, the dentist checks for signs of wear, fractures, leakage, or decay around the restorations to ensure they are still functioning effectively and maintaining proper oral health.