When you undergo a dental exam every six months, you have a chance to avoid worsening oral health, as we identify areas of concerns and find the right solutions. Which is why we recommend a visit twice a year! In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about what to expect from your routine checkup.
The Checkup Process
The checkup means you will sit down and our team will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and oral structures for possible signs of trouble, and to see what is needed to keep your smile healthy and whole. To make a diagnosis with accuracy and precision, we will use digital x-rays and intraoral imagery. The process is essential for people of all ages, from kids to adults.
What We’re Looking For
Our team will look for signs of tooth decay, function, gingivitis, and gum disease during your dental exam. The earlier we discover these concerns, the sooner we can take action to treat them, often before you experience discomfort. Our team also watches for TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding), and can offer an oral cancer screening for adults. For children, we will make sure primary teeth are erupting and falling out on schedule, and that permanent teeth can arrive without impaction or complication. We can also discuss preventive treatments in the same visit for kids, such as fluoride gel and dental sealants, to help lower the risk of tooth decay.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Approximately 53,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year, and half will succumb to it within five years because the disease is rarely caught in the early stages. But with routine screening during your checkup visits, we can diagnose the issue early so you can undergo care to increase your chances of a full recovery. Warning signs include changes to your voice, persistent sore throat or hoarseness, sores and rough patches that don’t heal after two weeks, and areas with red and white splotches.
Dental Cleanings
In the same visit, our team will also clean the teeth. A dental cleaning means we use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently and thoroughly break up and remove all plaque and tartar buildup, lowering the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, gum disease, and more in the process. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance. If you have the warning signs of gingivitis or gum disease, we could offer relief with a deep cleaning, which removes buildup for the teeth and the roots too.
Schedule Your Visit Soon!
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about our preventive treatment visits.
