What Happens at a Dental Exam?

Saving Teeth and Lives, One Exam at a Time

Many people become apprehensive when faced with going to see the dentist. In truth, it can be a little awkward when someone focuses all their attention on your mouth. Many are afraid of what “embarrassing” things the dentist might find out about them.

First off, please understand that no one at the Placerville Dental Group is a judge or jury (although we do uphold our civil obligations when summoned by the Placer County court). We are not here to make you feel small due to the state of your oral health. We simply need to understand your teeth, gums and mouth so we can help you maintain or improve their health.

Your Dental Exam — Key to Keeping Teeth!

Just to become more familiar with the procedure, let’s discuss what you can expect during a visit to the Placerville Dental Group for an exam.

• We go over your case to remind us of your previous visit, the condition of your teeth and gums, any expected developments, and any concerns we want to keep in mind. If it’s your first visit, we usually begin with x-rays and gum pocket measurements to create a baseline of your oral health.
• We examine the condition of your teeth, noting any discolorations, chips, cracks, or other circumstances.
• We may take digital surface photos to give us a visual indicator of your condition. In most cases, a thorough visual inspection is all that is needed. X-rays may lead to discovering decay, tumors, or cysts that need to be addressed for your own health and safety.
• We examine your gums. Irritated gums are often a first sign of gum disease.
• We also check for oral cancer by examining the facial area, mouth and throat.
• If you have any dental restorations, we determine how they are holding up and if they need any attention.
• We provide you with a dental cleaning to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar from your teeth.
• Any specific issues, including recommended procedures, are discussed with you honestly. We spend time to create a plan of action to tackle the problems, so that we meet your comfort levels and your circumstances.

Routine maintenance on your car makes sure it runs properly and lasts as long as possible. Seeing your dentist regularly does the same thing for your teeth. It’s important to keep tabs on what is going on in your mouth with your teeth and gums, so they keep working well and looking great. If you have questions about what is involved in a dental exam, please give the Placerville Dental Group a call – or, you can schedule a time here on our website.