The letter comes in the mail, the message on your voicemail. “You are due for your dental exam,” they say. You cringe. Ugh! It’s not that you don’t like your dentist, he or she is nice enough, but…what if they find something or comment on your lack of flossing. There can also be pain; and then there is the sound of the drill. For dental exams, Lee Trevino Dental is here to help.
What Happens During a Dental Exam
The first step in a dental exam is the cleaning. The dental hygienist will check the cleanliness of your teeth and gums. He or she will then remove any plaque and tartar before polishing and flossing your teeth. He or she may also go over proper cleaning techniques. X-rays may also be done to further assist the dentist with the examination. Next, the dentist will come in and begin his or her part of the dental exam.
Your dentist will examine your gums in order to see if there are any signs of gum disease. The dentist will also check for loose teeth and visual evidence of tooth decay. He or she will also be looking at the tissue inside of your mouth, as well as examining your tongue and checking your bite. The dentist will be looking for contact between your teeth, broken teeth, damaged fillings and changes in the gums that are covering your teeth, as well as evaluating any dental appliance you may have.
Why Have Dental Exams Done?
There are a number of factors that dental exams help to prevent. First and foremost, going to the dentist every six months helps to prevent cavities. While brushing and flossing help remove plaque, only a professional cleaning can get it all. If left unchecked, plaque can lead to cavities. Plaque buildup can also lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Too much plaque that is left unchecked can lead to jaw bone destruction. This, in turn, can cause teeth to loosen and fall out. Cavities and tooth loss can lead to large bills when they need to be corrected, therefore, routine dental exams also help to save money. Furthermore, some health conditions can be detected through a dental exam. These include heart disease and stroke. Finding these early can not only save you money, but your life, as well.
Lee Trevino Dental Can Help
Finally, having a dental exam can raise your confidence because it helps to brighten your smile and freshen your breath. There’s nothing you can’t do with freshly polished teeth. If it is has been more than six months since your last dental exam, and you are in the El Paso area, call Lee Trevino Dental. They can help you get over whatever is keeping you from seeing the dentist, brighten your smile, and get you on the road to dental health.
