Dental Exam
Paradise Valley, AZ
 A dental exam refers to a checkup on the patient’s teeth and gums. It is advisable for people of all ages to schedule dental exams regularly with a reputable and trusted dental practitioner. At David R. Moyer, DDS, Dr. Moyer and his Paradise Valley dental team recommend having a checkup quarterly or every six months, depending on the severity of the damage. If oral health problems are not addressed on time, they can grow and become more pronounced, which is not ideal for your general wellness. A dental exam can be performed by either a dental hygienist or a dentist since they are trained to help you adopt and maintain better oral health practices. Our pediatric dentist handles the dental exams for our younger patients, ensuring that they receive the best care possible.
Why Do I Need a Dental Exam?
If you wonder what a dental exam is used for, you probably need one soon. Our dental experts rely on dental exams to detect traces of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral complications. Most severe dental complications can be prevented if they are detected early on, and that’s why scheduling regular dental exams with our professionals is vital for a healthy mouth. Dental exams are also an excellent way of getting the right information on the best ways to take care of your gums and teeth.
Patients who have bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis or other gum-related diseases, benefit from dental exams since it allows us to assess the severity of damage and recovery progress. Patients with dental complications are advised to schedule dental exams every three to four months, which is different and more often from those with good oral health.
If you have an infant in your care, it’s advisable to schedule their first dental exam when the baby is six months into their first tooth or a year old. After their initial dental exam, they should have a dental exam every six months to avoid the development of dental compilations and subsequent health problems.
What to Expect During a Paradise Valley Dental Exam
Dental Teeth Cleaning
A regular dental exam usually incorporates a teeth cleaning, which our expert hygienist or dentist will perform, an x-ray depending on the visit, and a comprehensive oral checkup. Depending on the extent of damage, an x-ray can be used to provide a better look at the current state of your mouth. It is usually used when dealing with bone loss, gum disease, cavities, and other complications that can’t be easily detected with the naked eye.
There are several dental x-rays, and we are well-equipped to recommend the most suited for your dental condition. On the other hand, our pediatric dentist will use this opportunity to assess if the child’s teeth are developing as expected.
Oral Cancer Screening
If you regularly visit the dentist, you probably wonder what is going on when we hold out your tongue and feel the base of the mouth. Or maybe you have been told to come in for a consultation because of visible signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer screening is a precautionary measure that Dr. Moyer and his dental experts at David R. Moyer, DDS take seriously and we ensure it’s performed to detect it before symptoms start to show. The thought of oral cancer is frightening, and that’s why we take you through every step, the various devices used, and what to expect. This will give you peace of mind knowing that a team of experts has everything under control and help you get answers to questions you have about the oral cancer screening process.
An oral cancer screening is a fast outpatient procedure that takes less than five minutes, meaning you can get back to your daily routine immediately after. Our experts look for the trace of any cancer in your mouth by focusing on the susceptible areas of the mouth that usually show. It’s important to have an expert conduct screening since we can conduct a comprehensive assessment of your oral cavity and other connective tissue such as the throat, pharynx, larynx, and sinuses. Mouth cancer screening has two aspects which include a visual exam and a physical exam.
Gum Health
Most patients suffering from periodontal disease are not aware that they have a problem, and that’s why it’s essential to visit a dentist regularly. The longer you delay dental checkups, the more susceptible you are to the disease and its effects. Periodontal disease usually presents as an inflamed gum that bleeds easily, especially when flossing or brushing your teeth. Contrary to popular belief, bleeding gums while brushing is not a normal occurrence. It means gum disease is present. As the disease progresses, the patient will experience tooth loss, bad breath, and receding gums. While an untrained person can’t detect these signs, our dental experts can easily detect them and recommend the most effective treatment solution for periodontal disease.
The term “periodontal” refers to “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is bacterial, attacking the gums and surrounding tissue. It is advisable to schedule regular dental checkups with Dr. Moyer and our expert team at David R. Moyer, DDS to mitigate further development of the disease. The bacteria infect the gums and dissolve the bone that holds the tooth, rendering it unable to hold the patient’s teeth in place. Since periodontal disease is not easily detected until it’s too late, we recommend regular visits to a dental practitioner for a checkup. Periodontal disease can often lead to tooth loss which leads into other problems such as jawbone loss and the need for prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
Schedule Your Next Paradise Valley Dental Exam
A dental exam is the best way of identifying underlying complications that deteriorate the current state of your teeth and correcting them before they become more pronounced. If you are around Paradise Valley, a dental exam is also recommended if you are scheduled to undergo a serious procedure in order to ensure you meet all of the health requirements for a safe surgery. Contact us at 480.935.6295 to learn more about dental exams and how to prepare for one. David R. Moyer, DDS is dedicated to helping you brighten your smile and maintain excellent oral health! |
