DENTAL CHECK UPS CROYDON MAROONDAH
Dental Checkups And Comprehensive Exams
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is a dental exam or check-up?
A dental exam, also referred to as a dental check-up or examination, is a thorough assessment of your oral health carried out by a dentist or dental professional. It is an important practice for maintaining good oral health and comes with multiple benefits:
Early Detection of Dental Issues: Regular dental exams allow dentists to detect dental problems at their earliest stages. This includes identifying cavities (dental caries), gum disease, oral infections, and other dental conditions before they become more severe and potentially require more extensive and costly treatments.
Prevention of Dental Problems: Dental exams provide an opportunity for preventive care. Dentists can recommend and perform preventive measures such as dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to protect your teeth and gums from issues like cavities and gum disease.
Oral Cancer Screening: Dental exams often include an oral cancer screening. Dentists are trained to recognise the early signs and symptoms of oral cancer, which can be life-saving when cancer is detected and treated early.
Assessment of Bite and Jaw Health: Dentists examine your bite (how your upper and lower teeth fit together) and the health of your jaw joints (temporomandibular joints or TMJ). Problems with your bite or jaw joint can lead to conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which can cause pain and discomfort.
X-rays and Imaging: Dental exams may involve taking dental X-rays or other imaging to check for issues that are not visible during a visual examination. X-rays can reveal problems like hidden cavities, impacted teeth, and bone loss.
Personalized Oral Health Advice: During a dental exam, your dentist can provide personalised advice on oral hygiene practices, diet, and lifestyle habits that can improve your oral health. They can recommend the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss for your specific needs.
Discussion of Dental Concerns: Dental exams allow you to discuss any dental concerns or discomfort you may be experiencing. Your dentist can address your questions and provide solutions to improve your comfort and oral health.
Treatment Planning: If dental issues are identified during the exam, your dentist can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include scheduling follow-up appointments for fillings, root canals, extractions, orthodontic treatment, or other necessary procedures.
Overall Health Implications: Some systemic health conditions can manifest oral symptoms. During a dental exam, your dentist may identify signs or symptoms indicative of underlying medical conditions. Early detection of such issues can lead to timely further evaluation and treatment referrals.
Regular dental exams, typically recommended every six months, are crucial to preventive healthcare. They help maintain your oral health and can contribute to your overall well-being by identifying and addressing potential health concerns early on. Regular dental care can save you both time and money in the long run by preventing more extensive and costly dental procedures.
