Dental Exam in Whittier
Detect cavities early before they lead to expensive dental treatments. Schedule your dental exam with our highly trained and experienced dentist today at Perfect Smile Dental Group in Whittier.
What are Benefits of a Dental Exam?
- Early detection of cavities before they result in costly dental treatments.
- Early detection & treatment of Gum Disease.
- Early detection of Oral Cancer.
- Detection of Teeth Grinding to prevent further damage.
What is a Dental Exam?
A Comprehensive oral exam is performed during your first visit to our dental clinic. It involves examining the head, neck and mouth. It is for new patients or those that have not had one in recent years. A series of digital x-rays and intraoral photos will be taken of your teeth for the dentist to evaluate your teeth, gum, and oral health. The dentist will look at your teeth in the mouth and on the x-rays to check for any cavities (caries), infections at the roots, signs of bone loss due to gum disease and signs of bruxism (grinding/clenching teeth). The dentist also looks at the jaw joints and alignment of the teeth to determine if the joints work properly and whether you need orthodontic treatment (Invisalign, braces). Oral cancer screening is done to detect any signs of cancers on the tongue or the floor of the mouth. Following the evaluation, the dentist will show you areas of concern on the X-rays and intraoral photos.
Based on the evidence seen on the digital x-rays, intraoral photos and intraoral examination, the dentist will diagnose and provide you with treatment recommendations that will address the conditions of your teeth, existing restorations (such as old fillings and old crowns), gum and oral health to help bring your oral health back to an optimum level. The dentist will provide you with the pros vs. cons of each dental procedure starting with the most ideal treatment option to the least ideal treatment option. At this time, the dentist will answer any questions and concerns that you may have. A treatment coordinator will review with you the treatment plan, insurance benefits and finance options available to you, so we can help bring back your healthy smile. Dental procedures on the treatment plan do not have to be done all at once. Treatments can be done in phases starting with the most urgent concerns to the least urgent concerns.
Importance of Dental Exams
Our dental clinic recommends that all patients get a dental checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. By scheduling routine checkups and cleanings, the dentist will be able to detect early signs of cavities that if left unattended can lead to a root canal. Treating cavities when they are small is less invasive and less expensive. Waiting too long to schedule routine checkups and cleanings will allow plaque to build up, which may lead to inflamed gum, gum disease, cavities, root canal, and a costly dental procedure. Comprehensive exam and periodic (routine) exam are recommended for early detection and treatment of cavities before they progress into the nerve that results in a need for a root canal and a crown for the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental exam?
Dental exam varies depending on your geographic location but typically range between $100-$175.
What happens during a dental exam?
During a complete dental exam, the dental assistant takes a full mouth series of x-rays for the dentist to evaluate the health of the teeth, gum and to screen for oral cancer. Oral exams and x-rays allow the dentist to identify problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer in their early stages.
Do I have to take x-rays for a dental checkup?
Dental x-rays are the standard of care during a dental exam. X-rays allow the dentist to detect cavities between the teeth, infection at the root and oral pathology (cancer) that cannot be detected with the naked eyes.
It it safe to take dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays are significantly safer than traditional film x-rays. The patient is covered with a lead apron during dental x-rays.
Can I get a dental checkup without taking x-rays?
Dental x-rays are the standard of care during a dental exam. Without X-rays it is impossible for the dentist to detect cavities between the teeth, infection at the root and oral pathology (cancer).
How long do oral exams take?
Dental Exams last about 60 minutes. During the 60 minutes, dental x-rays are taken so the dentist can evaluate the teeth, gum and oral cavity. The dentist will explain the findings and make treatment recommendations to the patient.
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