Exams
Spring Hill, FL
 Routine dental exams should be part of every patient’s oral health regimen just as brushing and flossing are. The exams involve inspecting the teeth and gums, looking for any signs of deterioration or infection. Our dental exams are typically over in ten minutes, though a dental cleaning may take thirty to sixty minutes to complete. Here at DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care our team of professionals offers comprehensive dental exams year-round.
Who Needs an Exam?
If a patient notices they have a chipped tooth, a cavity, or other injury while they are brushing their teeth, they should come in for an exam. Also, tooth pain or pain while chewing could indicate there are underlying issues that need to be dealt with by one of our staff. Exams are one of the best preventative measures a patient can take with regard to their teeth.
Reasons for Exams
Though twice daily flossing and brushing is important, routine office visits for dental exams and professional cleanings are also vital. In spite of proper care at home, patients cannot remove all plaque and harmful bacteria. Only our trained professionals with specialized tools and technology can do that. With fluoride, they can stymie the growth of plaque and bacteria. If untreated, plaque and bacteria buildup can damage gum tissue and erode tooth enamel which can cause cavities and gum disease leading to more expensive and invasive procedures.
Routine exams can alert our office staff to changes in your mouth and throat as well as the gums, jaw and other soft tissues present. This provides early detection for those disorders in need of further evaluation. The American Dental Association (ADA) has also stressed that untreated tooth conditions can eventually lead to cardiovascular problems and diabetes.
What Does an Exam Include?
Comprehensive dental exams are a vital part of preventative oral health care. Our staff carefully cleans the patient’s teeth and inspects them for any extensive wear, cavities, chips, cracks, and other abnormalities. It is not only important to look for issues with a patient’s teeth but also their entire mouth, neck and even face for anything out of the ordinary. Our staff also monitors any pre-existing conditions, checks overall gum health, screens for oral cancer, and even recommends specific diagnostic tests to ensure the patient’s complete oral health. X-rays are an important part of the exam to monitor teeth wear, gum health and problem areas which may be indicative of other issues which might need to be addressed at future appointments.
How Often Should Patients Have Exams?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends children have at least yearly dental exams because their teeth can decay at a faster rate than those of an adult. Some adult patients, who have no problems or issues with their teeth or gums, can wait as long as every two years for a dental exam but that is not recommended. For optimal oral health, it is highly suggested that all patients have dental visits and exams every six months.
Dental exams can be scheduled by our team of professionals at DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care. Call us at (352) 666-9898 or pay us a visit during our office hours to schedule your next appointment today. |
