Dental Exam

How often should you have a dental exam?

Dr. Slootsky will use the information gathered during your regular check ups to develop a individualized schedule for regular maintenance, cleaning, and additional check-ups.

For the most part, patients in good oral health, can expect to see their dentist every six months. But patients with certain oral health deficiencies, or those with high-risk factors for future gum/periodontal problems, your dentist may suggest more frequent follow ups to address these specific concerns.

To wrap up, how often you’ll need to visit your dentist will greatly depend on how healthy your gums and teeth are and the potential risk for future problems.

What to expect during a routing dental exam

No one likes surprises. What can you expect from a dental exam?

Dr. Slootsky takes the lead in your dental exam.

Here’s a detailed look at the general procedure and steps of a routine dental exam.

1. Medical History Intake

When you arrive at our Reading PA dentist office, expect a few questions that will help us understand more about your oral health. During this conversation you will want to offer information about any medications you’re currently taking, possible healing remedies currently in progress, allergies, and whether you smoke or consume alcohol. All this information helps better prepare us for possible causes to what she we will find during the exam.

Dr. Jodi will also ask if you have any ongoing medical conditions, as we want to safely treat you. If this is your first visit, we will also talk to you about your previous dental treatment procedures, surgeries, and experience with anesthesia. With all this information, Dr. Slootsky will be able to make an essential first step towards establishing a sound treatment plan.

2. Investigation and exam

After collecting all the information needed, we move to the second step, which involves a thorough investigation of your teeth, gums, jaw, and supporting structures.

3. X-rays

The ADA recommends X-rays to make informed health decisions.

X-ray machines are essential and are commonly used to detect dental abnormalities that are not visible to naked eyes. Dr. Slootsky will first take full mouth X-rays before ‘spot checking’ specific problem areas in future visits. X-rays are not generally required at every dental exam.

4. Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings are an important part of your oral health.

When performing a check-up, Dr. Jodi will get rid of tartar that frequently forms on teeth and under the gum. Many dentists now use ultrasonic cleaning equipment during a dental cleaning. After scraping away the tartar, the dentist will polish your teeth and will recommend proper brushing and flossing techniques that will help you maintain oral hygiene.

5. Examine the Results

After tartar removal, Dr. Slootsky will conduct a dental exam using both visual and X-rays results to check if there are more dental defects and will also evaluate your risks for future dental abnormalities.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screenings are vital to your overall health.

The increasing number of oral cancer cases has prompted many dentists to include an oral cancer screening during dental exams. Oral cancer is a serious problem and can occur in various ways. If not detected early, oral cancer can quickly spread and become life-threatening.

An early oral cancer diagnosis, however, is often beneficial since it is easily treatable. Modern dentists are highly trained to detect early signs and the likelihood of detecting the disease in time is dramatically higher. Dr. Slootsky will examine the area surrounding your jaws and also the soft tissues in your mouth for signs of oral cancer.

How do you prepare for a dental exam?

Now, with a greater understanding of the procedure of dental exams, it’s clear there is nothing to fear when going in for a routine dental check-up. In preparation for your dental exam, you only need to know your medical history, radiation history, and allergies before visiting your dentist. These exams can be the difference between the need for invasive dental procedures, and a future of straightforward visits to the dentist.

Not regularly visiting your dentist may not seem like a big deal, but oral problems can develop and spread quickly if you don’t notice them on time. Following a schedule of regular cleanings and dental exams will save you time, money, and potential oral health issues in the future. In addition, missing a follow-up appointment can result in major dental issues. Artistic Dentistry has a dental office in Reading that can help ensure your oral health is on the right track with regular check-ups. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Slootsky today.