Dental Exams
Orthodontist Portland, OR
In addition to regular cleanings, professional oral exams are vital to protecting you from serious oral health consequences. Our team at Senestraro Family Orthodontics includes regular oral exams as part of our comprehensive preventive approach.
During these exams, our professionals will thoroughly inspect every aspect of your oral cavity. They will check your teeth for cavities and irregular wear. They will check your gums for swelling or discoloration. Our team will also check your cheeks and other tissues for abnormal sores or growths.
Importance of Regular Exams
The sooner an oral health condition is detected, the better the treatment outcomes. That is why our team recommends receiving an oral exam every six months. If our team finds a concerning development, they will develop a custom treatment plan for you. Some issues can even be resolved the very same day.
For example, if our professional locates a small cavity during your visit, they can resolve the issue with a filling. The placement of a filling only takes a few minutes. The first step is to remove the damaged material. The void is then packed with the filling material, which is usually silver amalgam.
Missing exams can allow oral health conditions to worsen. This means that restorations are more costly and time-consuming for you.
How Often Do I Need an Exam?
As mentioned above, you should receive an oral exam every six months. If you miss an exam, it is a good idea to come see us as soon as you can. Do not wait another six months as this will mean that you have gone a year or more without having your teeth and gums checked.
Our team will also complete a thorough cleaning during your exam. You may receive x-rays as well, depending on how long it has been since the last time you received them. Generally, you will need x-rays every few years. You may also need new x-rays before a major restorative intervention or if you have suffered an oral injury.
What Other Steps Should I Take To Protect My Smile?
While these exams are a great way of checking on your oral health, good home oral care practices are a must. You should brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time. You should also floss every day. Doing so prevents the build-up of harmful plaque and tartar, which can damage your teeth.
It is important that you apply the information given to you during your exam. Our team strives to present valuable feedback to you after every visit, which you can apply to take better care of your teeth. If our team notices that you are frequently missing a particular area of your teeth, they will review proper brushing techniques with you. We can even suggest a good toothpaste and toothbrush to help you do a better job of brushing.
If you would like more information on the importance of regular dental exams, then it is time to come see us at Senestraro Family Orthodontics. We want to help you achieve your oral health goals. You can schedule your appointment by calling our office at (503) 228-1945 today. |
