Dental Exams
A comprehensive dental exam is integral to your oral health. As with most medical topics, early detection of a potential problem will help to minimize the trouble as well as the cost.
At Integrity Dental, a thorough dental exam is performed by your dentist during your initial dental visit to determine your condition and help ensure you stay on a path of good oral health.
Each check-up exams will include:
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs) if necessary
- Oral cancer screening: Check of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with specialized dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Professional Dental Cleaning
- Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam followed by:
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with specialized dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
X-Rays
- There are three basic types of x-rays, also known as radiographs:
- Bitewings: Taken, on average, annually to check for cavities
- Periapicals: Taken when necessary to show the entire tooth, including the roots and surrounding bone
- Panorex: Taken when necessary to show the entire mouth (all teeth including wisdoms , jaws, TM joints, etc.) and have been used to find cysts and tumors.
