What to Expect From the General Dentist in an Oral Exam

An oral exam is important because it lets the general dentist check your teeth for dental issues like cavities. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to dental work. This means that the general dentist will pay close attention to your teeth. This will allow the general dentist to both identify and eliminate any infections before they can begin. You might be wondering what the oral exam will consist of.

General oral exam

During an oral exam, a general dentist will examine the teeth, gums, jaw and other oral tissues. The general dentist will look closely at the patient’s overall oral health and the mouth. This can help the dentist determine if another dentist appointment needs to be scheduled. Sometimes, the oral exam will identify cavities that will need to be addressed. The general dentist will talk to the patient about any problems that have been found. This can help the patient avoid as much pain as possible.

At the beginning of the patient’s oral exam, the dentist will talk to the patient about their medical history. This can include past or current medications, smoking history, alcohol consumption and how the patient reacts to anesthesia. The dentist may also talk to the patient about any family members’ dental history. For example, if a close family member has a history of cavities, the patient is likely to be at risk.

Having the answers to these and other questions can help the dentist understand the patient’s oral health better. It can also help the general dentist determine how likely a patient is to be susceptible to infection. It is always helpful for dentists to have a good understanding of patients’ medicine allergies. During the oral examination part of the dental appointment, the dentist will check the patient’s teeth for signs of cavities.

The dentist will also look for fillings that appear smaller. This can be a sign of tooth decay. The dentist will also look at any other dental restorations, such as crowns. The dentist will make a note of all of these observations. A patient will most likely receive X-rays as well. This can help the dentist see any issues with the gums and teeth that were not visible before.

Gum disease

Next, the dentist will take a look at the gums. The dentist will be looking at how well the gums adhere to the teeth. In healthy patients, the gums will hold to the teeth tightly. However, if a patient has poor oral health, the gums may not adhere as well to the teeth. Gum disease can create pockets that trap the bacteria between the gums and the teeth.

Visit a general dentist today

After you have had your oral exam, the teeth cleaning can begin. The dentist will clean your teeth carefully to remove plaque buildup that can lead to cavities. It is important to get an oral exam twice a year for proper oral care. This can help you keep your teeth healthy for a long time to come.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.

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