What is involved in a dental exam?
Dental exams and cleanings are both important parts of maintaining a patient's oral health. The exam helps us understand what's happening with your teeth, gums, and supporting structures so we can recommend care based on your individual needs.
There are different types of dental cleanings depending on a patient's periodontal health. A preventive cleaning, commonly called a prophylaxis or prophy, is generally performed for patients without active periodontitis. Scaling and root planing, commonly known as a deep cleaning, is used to treat periodontitis, while periodontal maintenance is ongoing care for patients with a history of periodontal disease after active treatment.
At Periodontics and Implant Dentistry of Tallahassee, we gather the diagnostic information needed for your periodontal evaluation. The doctor will examine the mouth and take measurements around the natural teeth, specifically focusing on the gums and supporting tissues. Necessary X-rays and photographs may also be taken as part of the evaluation.
As a periodontist, during my dental exam, I'll primarily be focusing on the structures around the natural teeth. Periodontics focuses on the gums, bone, and other tissues that support the teeth. We also coordinate with the restoring dentist when concerns such as cavities, cracks, or other restorative problems need to be addressed.
What recommendations might come from a dental exam?
Many different types of recommendations may come from a dental exam. I'll focus specifically on things that are periodontal in nature.
We may find active gum disease around natural teeth that needs treatment. We may also identify gum recession, where the gumline has moved away from its previous position and exposed more of the tooth or root. Depending on the cause, severity, and other clinical findings, that may need treatment or monitoring.
There may also be teeth with a poor prognosis that can't be predictably saved. If a tooth needs to be removed, we can discuss appropriate replacement options, which may include dental implants depending on the individual patient.
Doctors who perform restorative care, such as general dentists or prosthodontists, may also identify concerns such as cavities, cracked teeth, or other problems that require restorative treatment.
How long does a dental exam take?
At Periodontics and Implant Dentistry of Tallahassee, we pride ourselves on a comprehensive evaluation process. The amount of time needed for an initial exam varies depending on the patient's needs, the necessary imaging, and the complexity of the condition being evaluated.
We want enough time to gather the appropriate information, evaluate the findings, and discuss potential treatment options with you. If additional information or evaluation is needed, we may recommend a follow-up visit before finalizing the treatment plan.
Are dental exams painful?
A common question that we get is, "Are dental exams painful?" At Periodontics and Implant Dentistry of Tallahassee, patient comfort is one of our primary concerns. Most parts of a routine dental or periodontal examination shouldn't be painful, although areas that are already inflamed, infected, or sensitive may feel tender during certain parts of the evaluation.
If something is uncomfortable during your exam, let us know. We want to keep you comfortable while still gathering the information we need to evaluate your oral and periodontal health.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (850) 909-9731 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.