What Does a Dental Exam Entail?
Did you know that oral cancer is the eighth leading cancer among men? Over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed each year, and it accounts for almost 11,000 deaths. How can you take control of your oral and physical health? Regular dental exams are one way you can reduce your risk of oral cancer. Detecting problems early can help boost the five-year survival rate to 85%. That may seem like a simple solution, but it can put you on the path to a healthier life. Luckily, we have put together this guide on what a dental exam entails and how it can help you create healthier habits in 2022.
What Is Included in a Standard Dental Exam?
Good oral health starts with regular dental care. Once you have scheduled a dental visit, you can rest easy, knowing that a standard dental exam won’t take up your entire day. Keep in mind, you should alert the clinic about your medical history beforehand. Specific medical conditions can put you more at risk for oral or tooth diseases. Some of the more common conditions that affect your oral health include:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Let your dentist know if you have any of these diagnoses since it can increase your risk for tooth decay or periodontitis. After reviewing your medical history, a regular dental check typically starts with the dental hygienist. This dental professional will perform tooth cleaning that involves:
- Removing tartar or plaque
- Polishing
- X-rays (if needed)
After your dental hygienist finishes, your dentist will come in and perform an assessment. During this phase of your dental cleaning, your dentist will check for tooth decay and soft tissues. Your soft palette and throat play a critical role in the health of your gums and teeth, and a qualified dentist may be able to recognize problems early. If needed, a dentist may suggest further dental treatments or work. They will also take time and review your dental x-rays for any notable concerns (more on that later).
How Long Is a Dental Exam?
Your dental check time frame primarily depends on what services you need. For example, if you require x-rays or other imaging, your appointment may last closer to an hour. However, in some instances, your dental exam could take under an hour. Prepare ahead of time, so you don’t feel rushed. Additionally, if you have excessive plaque or tartar build-up, the dental hygienist may take longer to clean your teeth thoroughly. Typically, plaque increases the longer you wait between dental cleanings. Implants, veneers, and crowns may need a follow-up within days or weeks to check for any concerns or issues. These quick check-ins are not very long, and you may need just a few minutes.
What Does a Dentist Look for During a Dental Exam?
One of the first items of business that your dentist looks for during a dental exam is cavities or broken fillings. Next, your dentist will check for any dental decay that may require new fillings.
X-rays are essential in detecting hidden decay or markers for certain oral diseases and even oral cancer. Once your dentist has reviewed the x-rays and checked your teeth, they will also examine your teeth gums, soft tissues, and jaw alignment. They might assess this by having you bite down and checking the musculature in your jaw. Your jaw and bite can play a prominent role in how your teeth wear down and predispose you to certain conditions. Lastly, they will offer any medical advice, such as a follow-up with a specialist, ongoing treatment, and more.
Are Dental Exams Covered by Insurance?
Dentists are part of your health care team but are not a substitute for professional medical care that you receive from your primary care physician. They specialize in oral health and are often covered by insurance because of their critical role in your overall health and well-being.
Over three-quarters of Americans have dental insurance, but it is usually offered as an individual plan. Smaller companies may not provide individualized dental plans, and Medicare does not offer dental coverage. Since Medicare covers a vast number of individuals, many Americans opt for private insurance, and you may find different dental benefits when you shop online. There are a few different types of plans, and some may not cover out-of-network dentists or have higher costs.
Typically, insurance covers standard dental exams, including all or some of the cost with:
- Dental cleanings
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Root canals
- Tooth extraction
- Bridges
Orthodontics becomes a bit more complicated, and you may need to pay an additional fee for this service. Like regular health care plans, dental insurance plans have a cap on how much they will pay. Unfortunately, this is lower than standard health plans, and you may be left with high costs towards the end of the year. In general, x-ray coverage depends on your insurance provider, but it is uncommon that they will cover more than once per year. In some instances, they will only cover every three years.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Most experts suggest you visit your dentist every six months. Routine dental care can help avoid plaque and tartar build-up. Excessive tartar can lead to a host of issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis. Ultimately, tartar increases the amount of bacteria in your mouth and can sometimes go undetected. Even with proper at-home oral care, you will still need regular exams for deeper cleaning. However, your dentist will suggest daily brushing, flossing, and mouth rinse. These simple habits can reduce your risk of gum disease and make your appointment go smoothly.
Are Dental Exams Painful?
The words ‘dental exams’ are sometimes associated with a grimace. For many, they have a fear of pain and being stuck in a dentist’s chair for hours on end. In reality, this is rarely how it goes.
Dental check-ups do not have to be painful, and if you are ever uncomfortable or have sensitive teeth, let your dental hygienist know. There are steps that your dental team can take to make you more comfortable. Medical advances have made dental cleaning more accessible, safer, and pain-free. Ultrasonic cleaning is one of those recent advances. It cleans your teeth by using ultrasonic vibrations. These powerful vibrations remove plaque and tartar in difficult-to-reach places. It can also help remove staining from drinking coffee and tea and has become the go-to option for many patients. Ask about ultrasonic cleaning during your next appointment!
Detecting Problems Early
Dental exams can be painful when you avoid them for too long and start developing gum disease. Usually, gingivitis is not painful and often goes undetected. However, if you don’t receive treatment for gingivitis, it can lead to periodontitis. This is a long-term issue caused by constant infection of your gums. It can spread to other soft tissues and teeth and eventually be extremely painful. You can have problems chewing food, brushing teeth, and even losing teeth.
Unfortunately, these issues can make your dental exams longer, more arduous, and have the potential for complications. In some severe cases, it can also lead to surgery and a need for specialists. A skilled and qualified professional dentist can help you make the right call on your course of treatment.
Will I Need X-rays During the Dental Exam?
If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, they will likely want x-rays. In some cases, you may need x-rays every six months. Frequent imaging is needed for patients who have a history of gum disease or other conditions that warrant it. If you don’t have any prior medical history, you will need x-rays every two years. What do x-rays show?
- Tooth decay
- Bone loss
- Infection (e.g., abscess)
- Preparation for tooth implants or dentures
- Wisdom teeth
- Cysts
- Tumors
Dentists can order intraoral and extraoral x-rays to give a picture of your teeth and surrounding area. Extraoral x-rays can show impacted teeth, development of the jaw, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment
Your oral health can help identify problems early and plays a critical role in your well-being. A qualified and trusted dentist can make a difference in your quality of care and health. You want a clinic that has top-end dentists, equipment, and technology. Luckily, we have all of that and more at Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. From cosmetic to restorative procedures, we can help you schedule any type of dental appointment you need. Contact us today to get started!
