A dental checkup is recommended every six months for patients of all ages, starting at around age two. But what happens during your dental exam, and what makes a checkup so essential for all patients? In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about how we safeguard smiles with our dental checkups.
The Dental Exam Process
When you visit our team for an exam, we will talk to you about your oral hygiene habits and any potential symptoms you may be experiencing, such as toothaches or sore/bleeding gums. We then take a very detailed look at your smile with advanced imaging technology, such as digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. These high-definition images use 90% less radiation and are available instantly chairside, and can be used to offer a diagnosis with greater precision and accuracy. These images don’t need to be developed in harsh chemicals, and no need for uncomfortable bitewings. You spend less time in the chair too!
What We Watch For
Our team will examine the teeth for signs of tooth decay or infection, and watch for indicators of gingivitis and gum disease. For adults, we can screen for oral cancer and watch for issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism. For children, we will make sure primary teeth are erupting and falling out as they should, and that permanent teeth have a clear path to eruption. The earlier we identify problems, the sooner we can offer treatment to bring relief and prevent major complications, so your treatment won’t need to be intensive.
What Happens Next?
If our team uncovers areas of concern, we will then create a personalized treatment plan to address the issues. For example, we can treat cavities in one visit with a dental filling, or tackling infection with a root canal and crown. We can craft oral appliances to offer a noninvasive solution to TMJ disorder and bruxism, and discuss treatments to handle missing teeth as well. We also clean the teeth in the same visit to remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, which itself will lower the risk of cavities and periodontal concerns. If you have any questions about the checkup process, or if you want to schedule an edam for you and your family, then please reach out to our team today. Let’s improve the health, beauty, and function of your smile this summer!
SCHEDULE YOUR DENTAL CHECKUP WITH DR. STEWART, DDS!
A dental checkup is a simple way to help safeguard your smile from an array of concerns, so we hope you will schedule one for you and your family soon. To find out more about our exams or to schedule your next appointment, then give us a call at our office in Livonia, MI at (734)425-4400.