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PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY
ORAL EXAMS
Aside from cleaning your teeth, your dentist will make a point of performing a comprehensive oral exam of the entire oral cavity, throat, and neck as a screening process for abnormalities leading to signs of more severe diagnosis. Screening areas of focus during the exam will include:
ORAL CANCER
During the oral exam, your dentist will feel for lumps in the neck, throat, and jaw, as well as examine the inside of your cheek, gums, lips, tongue, and throat for oral cancer symptoms.
GUM DISEASE
To rule out gum disease, your dentist will evaluate the gums around your teeth and bone for any signs of disease or receding areas.
X-RAY EVALUATION
If your dentist performed x-rays during the visit, this will be the time to review the result with you regarding findings and diagnostics.
RESTORATION EXAMINATION
If you have received any restorative treatment, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings, your dentist will examine these to ensure they are holding up as expected.
TOOTH DECAY
Your dentist will explore further than the cleaning process in checking for signs of tooth decay and damage. This examine will include using instruments to test the structure of the teeth on the surface and between teeth.
X-RAY DIAGNOSTICS
There are many benefits of receiving x-rays in preventative dentistry and several scans that can be performed to obtain results. During the appointment, your dentist will determine the best scan to take based on your treatment plan and dental necessity. X-ray scans can target specific areas of the mouth or include a panoramic image for a comprehensive look at your entire mouth.
WHEN EXAMINING X-RAYS, DENTISTS LOOK FOR SIGNS OF:
- Abnormalities preventing growth
- Decay in between teeth
- Loss of bone
- Harmful cysts or abscesses
- Tumors indicating oral cancer or benign growths
- Tooth positioning
- Tooth issues underneath the gums
Left undetected most of these issues could cause significant problems including loss of bone and the onset of more severe oral disease. X-rays are vital to creating an effective treatment plan for your overall oral health in ensuring no issues go untreated.
CONTACT LEAL, SPANGLER & JOHNSON
Drs. Leal, Spangler, and Johnson in Winston-Salem, NC provide the highest quality dental care with a personal touch, thoughtfully considering each patient and their needs. We offer comprehensive family and esthetic dentistry and love helping people achieve a healthy smile.
We are accepting new patients.
PERSONAL ORAL HYGIENE
The dentist office is not the only time you should be focused on promoting good oral hygiene practices. In fact, the majority of your oral health is reliant on the lifestyle choices and personal hygiene routine taking place in your home. There are several ways in which you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease at home, such as:
DAILY BRUSHING
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended to achieve an optimal clean, but using ADA approved toothbrushes with soft bristles are also useful in removing build up. By brushing daily, you reduce the number of bacteria and harmful plaque that can turn into tarter causing decay on the teeth and inflammation in your gums.
MOUTH RINSE
Brushing is effective, but does not always remove 100% of the bacteria from the mouth. Using a mouth rinse for removing further bacteria from the tiny crevices between the teeth can help improve your chances of fighting cavities and bad breath.
FLOSSING
Flossing is recommended to remove harmful bacteria located below the gum line and between the teeth. By interrupting the growth of plaque in these areas, you can prevent tartar buildup causing decay and gum disease.
If you are concerned about your dental health, ask your dentist about additional tools, such as a Waterpik® and tongue cleaners, to enhance your daily oral hygiene routine.