What is a Dental Exam?
Oral health is a vital part of achieving and enjoying better general health and overall well-being. When your teeth, gums, and jawbone are healthy, you can eat, speak, and smile with greater ease and comfort. Visiting our team at Made Ya Smile Dental for annual dental exams can help you remain proactive at keeping your smile and oral health in excellent shape. During a comprehensive dental examination, our general dentists will thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, jawbones, joints, and other oral structures to identify any areas that may be of concern. Early diagnosis and treatment of dental problems can help you avoid having to spend additional time in the dental chair for more complex types of care.
Our doctors routinely screen for tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, bone loss, oral cancer, and TMJ disorders, and evaluate the relationship between your upper and lower teeth (bite). Any fillings, crowns, veneers, dentures, dental implants, or other restorations will also be examined to ensure they are still intact and in good working order.
At Made Ya Smile Dental, we are proud to offer personalized care tailored to the needs of each individual. We use the latest in advanced technology to enhance our diagnostic abilities, including low-radiation 3D imaging and x-rays and high-definition intraoral photos. For comprehensive dental exams from an experienced and caring team of dentists, we welcome you to contact Made Ya Smile Dental in Sugar Land, TX today.
Oral Cancer Screening
At each of your annual dental exams, our highly trained team will perform an oral cancer screening to check for any precancerous, cancerous, or abnormal lesions in and around your mouth. Oral cancer is a very serious concern, affecting more than 50,000 Americans every year. During an oral cancer exam, our dentists look for areas that are raised, rough, red, white, unusually shaped and any nodules, lumps, or sores. Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth so we examine the lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, hard and soft palates, the floor of the mouth, and gum tissues for any signs of abnormalities. Suspicious or abnormal lesions that are detected may be biopsied or we may consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to learn if surgical removal or other types of treatment are necessary. In between dental exam visits, we encourage all patients to conduct self-oral cancer screenings to look for any areas that are not normal, do not heal, or do not look like the surrounding tissue and let us know right away if there are potential concerns.
Dental Exam Reviews
What Are the Benefits of Dental Exams?
Annual dental exams offered at Made Ya Smile in Sugar Land, TX offer countless advantages for your overall oral health. Some of the primary benefits of a dental cleaning include:
- Better dental hygiene
- Early identification of dental wellness issues
- Fresher breath
- Custom oral health advice
- Opportunity to perform x-rays or further diagnostic services
- Maintaining the health of your teeth
- Less possibility of tooth loss
- Proactive care and management
- Instruction about correct brushing and flossing methods
Who Should Have a Dental Exam?
Dental exams are typically performed for patients of all ages at least once each year during biannual dental cleaning visits at our Sugar Land, TX practice. Our dentists support the American Dental Association's (ADA) recommendation that children visit the dentist for their initial appointment before they celebrate their first birthday. Our highly trained team evaluates for all types of dental problems during an exam, including cavities, damaged or loose restorations, gum disease, bite problems, and jaw joint concerns. We use high-definition x-rays and imaging to screen for bone loss, cavities between teeth, cysts, impacted teeth, and other hidden concerns.
It is important to your oral health to have a very thorough dental exam on a regular basis even if you are not experiencing pain or other symptoms. Certain dental problems may not be causing you any pain, such as gum disease, but could be creating a serious issue in your mouth without you even realizing it. Dental exams allow our team to identify these problems as early as possible and provide the necessary treatment your family needs for healthy, comfortable smiles. We can also give you information on how to maintain oral health at each stage of life, particularly for kids as they go through the developmental stages. Information on baby bottle tooth decay, pacifiers, and thumb-sucking and the best ways to maintain your child's gums and teeth can also be shared with you during your family's dental exams.
How Is A Dental Exam Performed?
At each of your dental exams, our dentists will carefully review your dental and medical histories and medications or supplements that you are taking. We will ask about any changes you have experienced in your oral health or any symptoms you have noticed involving your teeth, gums, or jaw and perform an oral cancer exam. Your jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) function will be evaluated along with your bite (how your upper and lower teeth meet). Using an instrument known as an explorer, our dentists will examine each individual tooth for signs of decay and check the margins of any fillings, crowns, bridges, or other restorations that you have. Periodontal disease screenings are also part of an annual exam and are used to check for signs or symptoms of gum disease. Our dentists or dental hygienists will use a small ruler to measure the spaces between your teeth and gums to screen for this condition.
Digital x-rays may also be incorporated into your annual dental exam that let our team evaluate the health of structures we cannot readily see when looking into your mouth, such as your tooth roots and jawbone. X-rays also reveal evidence of tooth decay that may be forming in between teeth or under fillings and infection within a tooth or the supporting bone. Our dentists use x-rays along with periodontal measurements to diagnose and recommend treatment for gum disease. Committed to the safety and wellness of our patients, Made Ya Smile Dental invests in low-radiation digital technology for x-rays and only takes x-rays as necessary to minimize patient exposure.
After we complete your comprehensive exam, our team will compile all of this information, share our findings with you, and create a custom treatment plan designed to meet your unique dental needs and goals for your smile.
How Often Should I Get A Dental Exam?
In general, dental exams will be performed at one of your twice-yearly dental cleaning appointments or more frequently, depending on your oral health needs. Some patients may require dental cleaning and exam visits at shorter intervals to help maintain the health of their teeth, gums, and bone. Our caring team will offer tips and techniques on how to best maintain your smile between visits with brushing and flossing. Oral hygiene instructions are customized for each individual and may include additional information for any areas that require more specific care or attention. At Made Ya Smile Dental, we believe in helping all patients enjoy beautiful, confident smiles and are proud to provide personalized, high-quality dental exams for every member of your family.
Will My Insurance Cover A Dental Exam?
Our practice accepts most major PPO dental plans and will gladly file your insurance claims on your behalf. Since annual dental exams are considered a preventive care service, they are typically covered by dental insurance. However, if you are not using insurance or have out-of-pocket costs, our business team is more than happy to work with you to find a convenient payment solution. Made Ya Smile Dental in Sugar Land, TX accepts several payment methods, including our own in-house dental savings plan and interest-free financing.
Dental Exam FAQ
How long will my dental exam take?
A dental checkup typically takes about 30 – 60 minutes, depending on your oral health. Your dental exam may take longer if you have had significant changes to your oral health, as the dentist may need to diagnose any suspected oral issues and create a treatment plan. If you are seeking a dental clinic offering preventive dental care such as dental or periodontal exams, call our office in Sugar Land, TX to book an appointment.
Are dental exams painful?
Patients undergoing a dental exam, and any x-rays taken during the exam, should not experience any significant discomfort. At Made Ya Smile, we utilize the latest technology and techniques to ensure our patients remain as comfortable as possible during their visit to our office.
What should I do to prepare for a dental exam?
It is important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine between dental visits. Before you leave for your appointment, we recommend taking time to brush your teeth and avoid eating or drinking an hour before your dental exam. We invite you to alert our team to any questions or concerns you may be having about your oral health.
Schedule Your Annual Dental Exam
Dental exams are a great way to help keep your family's smiles looking and feeling the very best. Comprehensive dental examinations with our dentists at Made Ya Smile Dental can help identify dental concerns as early as possible and prevent the need for more extensive and costly care in the future. Even if your teeth and gums feel fine, it is still a good idea to visit our team for routine exams and cleaning visits as some oral problems do not present symptoms until more extensive damage has occurred. For personalized care in a warm, welcoming environment, bring your family to our friendly practice in Sugar Land, TX today.