Dental Exam in Saratoga Springs, NY

A thorough dental exam is the key to early detection and prevention. As a patient in our practice, you can expect your dental exam to be a team approach, completed by both the dentist and dental hygienist. Your exam will include the following:

1. Soft Tissue and Oral Cancer Exam: Soft tissues in the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, hard and soft palate, the floor of the mouth, and throat will be evaluated for any signs of pathology, such as oral cancer. Additionally, the lips, face, and neck will be inspected...
2. Periodontal Evaluation (Gum Disease): Your gums will be evaluated for signs of inflammation and infection. Areas of the gums that bleed upon brushing and flossing will be specifically examined. We understand that these “bleeding spots” contain chronic inflammatory factors that may be linked to your systemic health. Your periodontal exam will also include an evaluation of the bone support around the teeth. Your level of oral hygiene, systemic health and genetic risk factors, tobacco use, gum health, and bone levels are all taken into consideration when determining the type of dental cleaning best for you.
3. Review of Diagnostic Radiographs (X-Rays): All of our x-rays are digital, providing you with a more comfortable experience, a higher quality image for better detection, and significantly less radiation exposure. Different x-rays are required to detect decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss; your dentist will determine which images will be needed to complete a thorough examination.
4. Decay Detection: Complete cavity inspection will be completed on all tooth surfaces. Often, suspicious areas are verified with the use of special cavity detection dye to ensure accuracy.
5. Examination of Existing Restorations: Our team will check all your current fillings, crowns, and root canals.
6. Cosmetic Exam (Smile Assessment): “Are you happy with your smile?” If you have ever considered improving your smile or whitening your teeth, let our dentists complete a smile assessment that includes a complete examination of your occlusion (bite), tooth shape and form, facial form, shade analysis, and gingival symmetry assessment. New technologies offer patients a wide range of options to improve their smiles – any of our dentists would be pleased to discuss these options with you.

Regular dental exams in Saratoga Springs, NY at Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry offer a number of great benefits, including:

• They are quick, easy, and comfortable
• Provides early diagnosis of oral health issues
• Supports better treatment outcomes
• Typically includes a thorough dental cleaning
• Gives you an opportunity to discuss issues and ask questions
• Checks dental restorations and appliances
• Helps keep your smile beautiful and healthy

Saratoga Springs, NY individuals of all ages should be attending oral checkups a minimum of once annually for comprehensive needs. Dental exams should also be performed if needed to assess oral sensitivity, injury, or additional issues that can form between appointments. Gum disease (the main cause of missing teeth) and dental caries may not cause clear signs to form until the later phases. When dental issues are discovered early, our team can typically provide a more diverse range of treatments for care.

Comprehensive exams at our Saratoga Springs, NY office get underway with a discussion about your medical history. A member of our team might also speak with you about any dental concerns or aesthetic smile goals you have to find out more regarding your general oral health. During certain routine appointments, a set of detailed X-rays may be ordered to provide us insight into the health of your enamel and bone tissues. We would then screen for cancer of the mouth, check the balance of your bite and temporomandibular joints, and assess your teeth for breaks and the fit of any dental fixtures. A gum assessment might also be performed to look for existing areas of periodontal disease.

Maintaining appropriate oral health habits, including routine brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, should help reduce the risk of developing cavities and periodontal disease. Our dentists typically offer routine dental exams annually, usually at one of a patient's six-month teeth cleaning appointments. Individuals with certain oral health issues may need more than one yearly exam. Our dental clinic carries out a wide range of effective solutions, including tooth-colored dental fillings, crowns, and cosmetic veneers, to help meet your unique smile goals.

How long does a dental exam take?

A dental exam takes about 30 minutes. Typically a dental exam is done with a cleaning — so the entire process may take 60 – 90 minutes.

Are dental exams painful?

No, dental exams aren't painful at all. Some people with sensitive teeth may find the teeth cleaning portion uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt.

How often should you have a dental exam?

The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that everyone should have a regular dental exam at least once a year. If you are experiencing tooth pain or other dental issues, it is always best to have a dental exam as soon as possible to prevent small issues from turning into serious problems.

Achieving a clean smile takes more effort than just visiting your dental practitioner when you notice a problem. Yearly dental exams at Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry optimize chances for early identification and care for oral problems and are crucial in safeguarding your health. Plan your family's annual oral exams at our Saratoga Springs, NY office.