Here's What to Expect at Your Next Dental Exam
&srotate=0)
Regular dental examinations are more than just getting your teeth cleaned by a professional. With a trained eye, dental examinations can reveal potential issues of the gums, teeth, and jawbone before they can become expensive, painful, and debilitating complications. At Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry, our team of specialists serves patients throughout Saratoga Springs, NY to meet their unique dental needs. Our dentists are qualified to perform routine and thorough dental examinations to keep our patients’ smiles beautiful and healthy.
What is a dental examination?
A dental examination, or dental exam, is a comprehensive assessment performed by a dentist in a professional dental office. At The Family Dentistry Group, our dentists examine the teeth, gums, jawbone, mouth, lips, and neck for any abnormalities and develop a treatment plan to help prevent future dental complications.
Who should participate in a dental exam?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), almost everyone should participate in regular dental exams. Once a child has their first tooth appear, they should attend an initial dental check-up. Afterward, their dentist will let their parents or guardians know when and how often to schedule them for future dental exams.
What is included in a dental exam?
We offer a comprehensive dental exam that includes the following:
-
X-rays and review of diagnostic radiographs: Review of digital x-rays and iTero scans to examine for potential tumors, cysts, or bone loss. Our office offers no radiation dental cavity detection with LUM Sub-enamel Illumination diagnostic methods.
-
Periodontal evaluation: Assessment of overall gum health, bone support, and inspection for inflammation, “bleed spots,” or infection.
-
Soft tissue and oral cancer exam: Assessment of tongue, cheeks, throat, hard and soft palates, and floor of the mouth for cancer or other pathologies.
-
Decay detection: Inspection for cavities on all tooth surfaces using the latest technology.
-
Assessment of restorations: Analyzing existing restorations, including crowns, fillings, and root canals.
-
Cosmetic exam: Assessing your overall smile, including bite, color, facial form, and symmetry.
How long does a dental exam take to complete?
The dental exam takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. A dental exam is typically done prior to a dental cleaning or periodontal therapy. Patients should expect to be at our office for about an hour.
What if something unusual is found during the dental exam?
If one of our dentists performs the exam and finds something atypical or unusual when analyzing your results, they will inform you of the abnormalities and discuss your available treatment options. If you wish to improve your smile with cosmetic dental or orthodontic techniques, schedule a consultation at our office to discuss your personal goals.
How often should I have a dental exam?
The ADA recommends that everyone participate in a dental exam twice per year or every six months. Men and women who have unique dental or medical histories may require more than two dental cleanings per year to optimize their preventive care.
Learn more about the benefits of regular dental exams.
If you reside in or near Saratoga Springs, NY, or any one of our locations and would like to learn more about the dental services we offer, contact our team at and schedule a consultation today. Our team of highly trained dentists and team members will provide you with optimal preventive care, including detailed dental exams to help keep your smile healthy.