Sedation Dentist Portland, Cosmetic Dentist Portland, Family Dentist Portland,

DENTAL EXAMS

Regular dental exams are an important part of preventive dental care. During a dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth and identify gum inflammation or bone loss. Your dentist or hygienist will evaluate your risk of developing tooth decay and other oral health problems, as well as check your face, neck and mouth for abnormalities. A dental exam may also include dental X-rays or other diagnostic procedures.

During a dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will likely discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits and may demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Other topics for discussion during a dental exam may include:

• Any medications you're taking
• Use of tobacco products
• Consequences of tooth loss
• Benefits of crowns, fixed bridges or dental implants
• Use of dentures
• Cosmetic procedures

A dental exam also gives you the opportunity to ask questions about oral health care with your dentist or hygienist. If you have dental anxiety or dental fears, we may be able to use sedation for your dental exam.  Call Dental Professionals at (503) 684-8445 for more information.

WHY GET A DENTAL EXAM?

Regular dental exams help protect your oral health and general well-being. A dental exam gives your dentist a chance to provide tips on caring for your teeth and to detect any problems early — when they're most treatable.

WHEN TO HAVE A DENTAL EXAM

The American Dental Hygienists' Association recommends that adults schedule dental exams every six months — or according to their dentists' or hygienists' advice. Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, it's important to see your dentist for regular dental exams to maintain good oral health.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR DENTAL EXAM

If you're scheduling your first adult dental exam or you're looking for a new dentist, consider making an appointment to come and talk to our staff here at Dental Professionals – what we recommend is that you take the opportunity to “interview” us to be your new dental care home. Consider whether we participate in your health plan. Before we treat you, make sure you understand the fees and payment options and please ask us any billing questions or issues you might have.

If you're feeling anxious about having a dental exam, share your concerns with your dentist or hygienist. He or she may be able to adjust your treatment to help you feel more comfortable. Our practice here at Dental Professionals is built on compassionate and comprehensive care, that’s why our doctors and staff have advanced instruction and education on sedation dentistry and how best to make your visit with us anxiety free and comfortable.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING A DENTAL EXAM

During a dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will:

• Evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene
• Evaluate your risk of tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease
• Evaluate your need for tooth restoration using fillings or crowns, or tooth replacement using dentures or dental implants, if needed.
• Check your bite and jaw for problems
• Demonstrate proper cleaning techniques for your teeth or dentures
• Assess how much fluoride you're getting through your diet and use of oral hygiene products
• Take oral X-rays or, if necessary, do other diagnostic procedures

During a dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will also ask about any health problems you have or medications you're taking and discuss how they might affect your oral health and on-going dental care. If you have diabetes, for example, you're at increased risk of gum disease. If you take certain medications — including antihistamines, antidepressants and high blood pressure drugs — you might experience dry mouth and have a higher risk of tooth decay. If you have arthritis, your dentist or hygienist may show you how to insert the handle of your toothbrush into a rubber ball for easier use or recommend using an electric toothbrush.

If you have dentures, your dentist or hygienist will examine how well your dentures fit and make any necessary adjustments.

Dental exams may also include counseling about the oral health risks associated with a poor diet, smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, oral piercings and not wearing a mouth guard during contact sports.

WHY GET ORAL X-RAYS

An oral X-ray allows the dentist to see detailed images of specific sections of your mouth. X-ray films have traditionally been developed in a darkroom, but a newer technique allows X-ray images to be sent to a computer and viewed on a screen. These Digital X-Rays are much safer for the patient and give better detail, allowing your doctor or hygienist to provide a better diagnosis.  Your doctor or hygienist will display your X-rays on a monitor in your room for you to see so together you can craft a plan on how to proceed with any additional treatments, if any are needed.  Various types of oral X-rays are available, including:

• Bitewing. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to see the crowns of the upper and lower teeth. During a bitewing X-ray, you'll bite down on the X-ray film holder while the X-ray images are being taken.
• Periapical. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to see the tip of the root of a tooth.
• Occlusal. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to see the way the upper teeth and corresponding lower teeth fit together when the jaw is closed.
• Panoramic. This type of X-ray gives the dentist a comprehensive view of the entire mouth.

X-rays aren't typically needed at every dental visit.

Oral cancer exam
During your dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will look for any signs of oral cancer. He or she will feel the area under your jaw, the sides of your neck, and the insides of your lips and cheeks, as well as examine your tongue and the roof and floor of your mouth.

Dental impression
In some cases, the dentist may recommend making a dental impression of one or both jaws to produce a replica of your teeth and oral tissue. This can help the dentist or hygienist evaluate your bite or make a mouth guard or bleaching trays. The dentist or hygienist will fill horseshoe-shaped trays with a soft, gelatin-like material and place them over your upper or lower teeth. After a few minutes, the trays are removed and used to create a dental cast of your mouth. The dentist may also have you bite down on a soft material to record and evaluate your bite.

Results
After your dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will discuss your oral health, including your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and any other oral health problems, and preventive measures you can take to improve dental care and protect your oral health. Your dentist or hygienist will also recommend the best time to return for a follow-up visit — typically every six months. If you're at high risk of tooth decay or gum disease or have other oral health problems, your dentist or hygienist may recommend more frequent checkups.

Make an appointment online or call us at (503) 684-8445