Why are dental exams and cleanings essential?
Dental exams and cleanings are essential because we want to make sure that our patients have a healthy mouth for a lifetime. The dental exam is the process of being able to take a look in the mouth, see what conditions exist. The first aspect of preventative care is the dental cleaning. There are multiple types of dental cleanings, but the professional treatment with a hygienist is key to making sure the patient is healthy long-term.
What is included in a dental exam?
At Periodontics and Implant Dentistry of Tallahassee, we include a number of things in our dental exam process. This is specific to the periodontal need of our practice, and some things may vary from this patient's general dentist, who we're oftentimes working with on these types of care. In our office, any and all necessary x-rays will be taken, as well as a series of photos. This, along with periodontal charting, which is taking a series of measurements to see the gum status around the teeth, helps us get a complete picture on anything that's needed.
What is the dentist looking for during a dental exam?
A dentist is looking for a number of things during their dental exam, and as a periodontist, we're looking for a number of specific periodontal parameters during our exam. The general dentist or restoring doctor, we look mainly at areas where restorations are needed, meaning a tooth, if it's cracked, if a tooth needs a filling, or may need a crown. They're looking at those aspects of care. In addition, there's a bit of an overlap, but as a periodontist, we spend extra time going over the specific periodontal parameters, meaning are there areas that are gum and bone have been lost around the natural teeth that are causing additional issues? Are there teeth that need to be replaced with dental implants or some other type of option associated with the tooth replacement? We're also looking at the overall health of teeth to see, can these teeth be saved, and if so, for how long?
What types of recommendations might come from a dental exam?
From a periodontal examination, there are many recommendations that may come up. Some of them relate to specific procedures that we commonly do in the office. The periodontal procedures can rank into a couple of different categories. If the gum tissue is not adequate around the natural teeth, there's a set of procedures called gum grafting that may help with that area. If there's issues with the gum and bone around the natural teeth, meaning that's starting to go because of periodontal disease, we may be recommending procedures such as teeth cleanings or different types of gum surgeries to make sure those natural teeth are indeed savable. And if unfortunately a tooth cannot be saved, then we'll be discussing the different options available with tooth replacement options, which may include dental implants.
How long does a full dental exam take?
A full dental exam in our office, including x-rays and any extensive procedures, typically takes slightly over an hour. We do reserve additional time to go over treatment options with patients, as there are many patients that have needed treatments after going through our exam process.
Are dental exams painful?
Fortunately, one of the things that we pride ourselves on in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at Tallahassee is to make sure that the patient is comfortable at all times in our office. This includes making sure that the exam process is going forward in a straightforward manner, and that we prevent any soreness or discomfort during that procedure.
And how can I schedule a dental exam?
To schedule a dental exam, give us a call at area code (850) 909-9731. We look forward to seeing you.