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Your dentist performs a dental exam to gather information about your oral health. The extent of the exam you'll receive depends on a number of factors, including whether you are a new or returning patient; the length of time since your last dental visit; and whether you are returning to have a specific dental condition checked.
YOUR TEETH
Your dentist will check for signs of decay, which can occur at any stage of life and can appear on many surfaces of a tooth. Decay frequently occurs around the edges or margins of fillings. Your dentist will determine if fillings or crowns have weakened or fractured over time. Tooth roots that have become exposed due to gum recession are also susceptible to decay. Detecting tooth decay early can save time, money and your teeth!
Regular dental visits remain important even if you no longer have all your natural teeth and wear partial or full dentures. Your dentist will periodically check your dentures for proper fit. Although they were made to fit precisely, dentures can become loose due to naturally occurring changes in your gums and bones.
CANCER SCREENING
During a dental examination, your dentist checks your neck and oral tissues for lumps, masses, growths, red or white patches or recurring sore areas. Early screening for precancerous changes in the oral tissues can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated. If oral cancer is not found early, tumors may grow deep into local tissues and spread to lymph glands in the neck, making effective treatment more difficult.
SYSTEMIC HEALTH
Oral health is integrally connected with your general health. Regular check-ups are important because some diseases or medical conditions have signs that can appear in the mouth. Diabetes, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies and hormonal irregularities are some examples. In addition, recent research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal (gum) disease and other health problems including cardiovascular problems, heart disease, and stroke.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Given these potential links, prevention of periodontal disease can be an important step in maintaining overall health. Periodontal (gum) disease affects three out of four adults at some time in their lives. It doesn't necessarily hurt and you may not even be aware that you have it until an advanced stage. Tell your dentist if you have noticed any changes in the appearance or feel of the soft tissues of your mouth or the way your teeth fit together" when you bite. Regular dental visits are essential for detecting periodontal disease at an early stage, when it can often be reversed, before the gums and the supporting bone are irreversibly damaged.
CHANGES IN YOUR HEALTH
Be sure to let your dentist know if you have any illnesses or medical conditions and if your health status has changed since your last visit. Tell your dentist what medications you are taking (both prescription and over-the-counter products); if you've had any problems with medications; or if you have any drug allergies or dependencies. This is important because there may be interactions between the medications you are taking and the medications that your dentist may need to administer or prescribe.
By scheduling regular dental visits and talking with your dentist, you can help keep your mouth healthy throughout your life.
