Dental Exams Are an Essential Aspect of Preserving Good Oral Health By Jin Ha Joung on September 09, 2014

Dentist and oral hygienist performing a dental examMany people feel some apprehension when it comes to dental appointments. There is a widely believed myth that all dental appointments involve pain and needles. In fact, this is very far from the truth. The majority of dental appointments that are scheduled are routine dental exams. In the case of a routine dental exam, it is highly unlikely that there will be any pain or needles. In fact, by undergoing a dental exam at least twice a year, most patients can avoid the need for any such invasive dental treatment. When it comes to general dentistry care to preserve the health of the teeth, gums, and jaw, dental exams are one of the most important tools available. Following are some of the services that our Ridgewood patients can expect at their dental exams.

X-rays

X-rays are digital images that allow our dentists to examine the underlying structure of the teeth, including the tooth roots and jaw bone. X-rays can be very beneficial in diagnosing damage or decay that might not be obvious during a visual examination. Some problems that can be detected on an x-ray include cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, alignment problems, and bone loss. Although x-rays will not be taken at each dental exam, they will be taken if it is a patient’s first examination at our practice and periodically after that.

Visual Examination

Each dental exam will include a visual examination that allows our dentists to look for signs of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and any other oral health concerns. This visual examination is likely to involve the measurement of any periodontal pockets that are present, as this can determine if a patient is experiencing any signs of gum disease. If gum disease, decay, or any other problems are detected, appropriate follow-up treatment will be scheduled.

Professional Cleaning

Ideally, patients are brushing their teeth a minimum of twice a day and flossing each night. Realistically, we understand that this does not always happen. Even those who do follow these recommendations can benefit from the deep cleaning that is performed at a dental exam. This cleaning allows us to remove plaque and tartar that may have built up around the teeth and gums, which is vital to preventing problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Although this is a very thorough, deep cleaning, we are careful to ensure the comfort of our patients throughout.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a very serious condition that can affect a person’s oral and general health. At each of our dental exams, we screen for oral cancer, looking for the presence of any unusual spots or bumps. This is a non-invasive and pain-free screening that is vital to our patients’ health.

Schedule an Appointment

As you can see, routine dental exams are nothing to fear. They are a useful part of general dental care and a great preventative dentistry tool. If it is time to schedule your next dental exam and you are looking for a dental team that combines knowledge, experience, and professional care, you will find what you’re looking for at Ridgewood Dental Associates. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to protect the health of your teeth and gums. We look forward to meeting you!

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Drs. Jin Ha Joung, Mark Samani, and Min-Hee Cho.

Ridgewood Dental Associates

At Ridgewood Dental Associates in Bergen County, we pride ourselves on being able to handle virtually all of your needs in a single location. Dr. Jin Ha Joung, Dr. Mark Samani, and Dr. Min-Hee Cho are affiliated with:

  • American College of Prosthodontists
  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • Academy of Osseointegration
  • American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • American Dental Association

For more information about our services, contact our office or call (201) 652-2474 today.

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