What Is A Preventative Care Exam?

A preventative care exam, or a dental check-up or hygiene check-up, is a routine examination conducted by a dental expert to analyze and maintain your teeth and gums' general health. It involves thoroughly evaluating your oral cavity, including your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and bite.

Our dental staff will examine the present status of your oral health, detect any potential issues, and make specific advice to prevent future problems during the exam. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to catch dental problems early when they are easier to treat and can help you avoid more complex and costly dental procedures in the future. We will also perform a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth, leaving them fresh and polished.

How it works?

A preventative care exam typically involves the following steps at Healthy Smiles:

Dental Examination: Your session will begin with the dentist thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. They will look for indicators of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other potential oral diseases.

Dental Cleaning: Following your exam the dentist will discuss the type of cleaning you will need and get you scheduled with a dental hygienist who will professionally clean your mouth. They will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, including hard-to-reach areas that may be missed during regular brushing and flossing. They will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and give them a smooth, shiny finish.

Oral Hygiene Instructions: The dental team will provide personalized oral hygiene instructions, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, tailored to your specific needs. If necessary, they may also recommend additional preventive measures, such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, prescription toothpaste, medicated mouthrinses, or home care instruments.

Treatment Planning: If any dental issues are detected during the exam, the dentist will discuss the findings with you and develop a customized treatment plan to address those concerns. This may include scheduling follow-up appointments for specific treatments or procedures.

Benefits Of A Preventative Care Exam

Early Detection of Dental Problems: Preventative care exams allow dentists to detect any dental problems early on before they become more serious. This can include cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer. Early detection allows for early treatment, preventing the need for more extensive and costly treatments later on.

Preventing Future Dental Problems: Through regular exams, our dental team can identify potential risk factors and provide guidance on preventive measures. This may include advice on oral hygiene practices, dietary adjustments, or the use of protective treatments like fluoride, dental sealants, or silver diamine fluoride.

Maintaining Oral Health: Preventative care exams are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Enhancing Overall Health: Oral health is strongly related to your general well-being. Maintaining proper dental hygiene and having frequent preventative care checks can help lower the risk of various systemic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Regular preventative care exams and good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Cost Savings: Preventative care exams can save you money in the long run. By detecting and addressing dental issues early, you can avoid the need for extensive treatments or procedures that can be more expensive.