Why does your dentist want to
schedule another appointment with you so soon - even
if today's oral examination
was perfect? Regular dental visits are essential
to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. For maximum
benefit, a good home care regiment must be supplemented
with
an examination at least every 6 months. Depending
on the status of your oral health, your dentist may
recommend more frequent visits.
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Teeth & gums immediately after dental cleaning. |
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Several months after cleaning, teeth can have
plaque build-up as well as stains from food,
beverages, tobacco, etc. |
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Over time, plaque build-up can harden into
tartar (or calculus) formation. |
Checking your teeth for decay is only a small part
of a thorough oral exam. During each visit, your dentist
will also: probe your gums, (gingiva) for inflammation,
tooth mobility and pockets; examine your mouth for
indications of possible cancer, diabetes and vitamin
deficiencies; and note any irregularities in your facial
structure, bite, saliva and temporomandibular joint
(TMJ). Your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth
and encourage you to maintain good oral hygiene.
Be sure to follow the special home care instructions
provided by your dental professional.
The Regular Dental Visit
At every regularly-scheduled dental appointment, your
dentist examines your teeth, gums, mouth and throat.
This visit includes the following:
| - Head and Neck Examination |
- The Cancer Exam |
| - Facial Structure Exam |
- Palpation of Chewing Muscles |
| - Palpation of Lymph Nodes |
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) |
Clinical Dental Examination
Periodontal Exam-including gingiva, periodontal pockets
| - Mobility of Teeth |
- Mucous Membranes |
| - Saliva |
- Occlusion (Bite) |
| - Decay of Teeth Broken Fillings |
- Erosion |
| - Removable Appliances |
- Contact Between Teeth |
Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
| - Scaling |
- Polishing |
| - Flossing |
- Oral Hygiene Instructions |
| - Assessment of Mouth Cleanliness |
After completing the clinical dental exam, your dentist might outline a detailed
treatment plan, if necessary, and indicate when you need to return for a follow-up
visit. Regular preventative maintenance of this type, along with a through home
care regiment, helps assure good oral health. |
