Checking in with your oral health on a regular basis is always a good idea. While you can peer into your mouth at home during your daily hygiene routine, our Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, dentists take it a step further with dedicated oral exams. We’ll use a few chosen tools to assess how your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues are doing. We may even implement digital X-rays to go beyond what the naked eye can see.
Here’s more information about and when they’re needed.
Overview of Oral Exams
In the same appointment that you receive a teeth cleaning, it’s highly likely that you’ll also have an oral exam performed by one of our dentists. Oral exams are generally quick and shouldn’t take much time unless something of concern is found and requires discussion.
Our dentists will start by using an instrument called an “explorer” to check each tooth. As they go down the line, they’ll take note of any signs of tooth decay, stains, gum recession, and gaps around fillings or dental crowns. If you have any concerns about your smile, now is a good time to bring them up so our dentists can determine possible treatment options.
At no point should you feel any pain during an oral exam. If you do, please let our dentists know and we can take a closer look at what might be bothering you. For example, if it hurts to open and close your mouth, our dentists may consider exploring TMJ disorder treatment.
Other Elements of an Oral Exam
Oral exams often are accompanied by other diagnosis methods. These methods help not only our dentists, but our entire team to understand the full scope of your oral health.
In addition to a visual exam, we may also use dental X-rays, intra-oral pictures, and oral cancer screenings. X-rays and intra-oral pictures, specifically, allow us to dig deeper and look below the surface for more hidden issues. For instance, if your tooth hurts but you’re not sure why, we can take X-rays to see evidence of a dental abscess or other infection.
Discuss Your Smile With Our Dentists
You can think of an oral exam like a physical for your mouth. Our dentists serving Plantation and Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, want the best for you and this preventive service allows us to make sure all is well. If there is an issue, it gives us an opportunity to take action. Call Barr Dental Group today at (954) 327-7400 to request an appointment.