What happens during a routine dental exam?

Smile With Confidence Again

A routine dental exam involves more than just checking to see if there’s a cavity. During a comprehensive dental or oral exam, the patient’s mouth is evaluated to get a complete picture of their overall oral health. The inside and outside of the mouth are examined, with the patient’s smile being one of the first things we notice. A patient’s smile says so much about how they feel and what they think about their oral health.
An essential step in evaluating oral health during a dental exam is taking a dental x-ray. Drs. Callie and Michael Romenesko are some of the best dentists around, but they do not have x-ray vision. So the most effective way is a routine dental examination to evaluate a patient’s mouth for tooth decay (cavities), calculus build-up (tartar), lost bone around teeth, and gum disease, are x-rays. Now a dental x-ray is typically not our patient’s favorite part of the dental exam. Still, with technology improving, today’s digital dental x-ray procedures are so much better (can be read as more comfortable) than they used to be in the past.
Once our patient is reclined back in the dental chair, the oral exam continues inside the mouth. Our dental hygienists will evaluate the soft tissues, lips, cheeks, tongue, floor, and roof of the mouth and the teeth for any apparent signs of lesions or tooth decay. The hygienist will also evaluate the health of the gum tissue and supporting structures of the teeth to check for any signs of periodontal disease.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease as it’s commonly called, is an infection and breakdown of the gum tissue and surrounding support system of the teeth, including the bone that holds the teeth in place. So taking periodontal (gum) measurements is a vital part of a dental exam. The hygienist will take measurements around the teeth to ensure that each tooth is sitting in a healthy pocket.
Suppose the gum tissue is healthy around the teeth. In that case, the hygienist’s next step will be to clean the patient’s teeth of any hard deposit built up on the teeth. Concluding with the teeth getting polished.

Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Callie or Dr. Michael will come in to complete the dental examination. The dentists will discuss all of the hygienist’s information during the examination to begin evaluating the patient’s overall oral health. Dr. Callie & Dr. Michael will complete the oral cancer screening and oral exam and review the x-rays and periodontal measurements. Then the dentist will be able to diagnose any tooth decay or periodontal disease that might be present.
More specifically, for an oral cancer screening, the dentists are feeling for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and oral cavity. Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any parts that make up the mouth (oral cavity). Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

How do you prepare for a dental exam?

Preparing for a dental exam is relatively easy. Before arriving to see the dentist, a patient should take a few minutes to note any questions or concerns they have had since their last appointment. Also, continuing with their usual oral health care routine in the days leading up to and including the day of their appointment is essential. Doing this allows the dentist and dental hygienist to give accurate and personalized evaluations and recommendations.
It is recommended that patients do not perform excessive power brushing and flossing the day before the dental exam to make up for the last few months.
On the day of the dental exam, give plenty of time to get to the appointment and check-in. A dental examination can be stressful for some patients. Worrying about being late or rushing into the office will only increase the feelings of stress and raise anxiety levels. At Callie + Michael Romenesko – A Family Dental Studio, we’re patient with our patients, so there’s nothing to fear.

How long does a dental exam take?

A typical dental exam will take about an hour. Our staff reviews and gathers information from our patient, complete a routine dental cleaning, and diagnose any treatment needs that the patient might have currently or in the future. This also respects the patient’s time as important as well.

Why should you have a routine dental exam?

Regular dental exams are so crucial because preventative care is huge when it comes to oral health! If a patient’s oral homecare routine can be evaluated and tweaked regularly based on the changing needs of their mouth, many dental problems can be prevented. Additionally, regular dental exams can catch tooth decay and gum disease early, making them easier to correct and less expensive to treat. Also, periodontal diseases are not always painful; a patient could be experiencing extreme bone loss and be unaware if they aren’t having regular dental exams.
So as you can see, regular dental exams are an easy, time-efficient, and cost-effective way to take care of your oral health.

Does dental insurance cover dental examinations?

At Callie + Michael Romenesko – A Family Dental Studio, we can help you check if your insurance provider for what is and is not covered. We currently accept the Delta Dental-Premier plan.
Drs. Callie and Michael Romenesko are reputable and highly regarded in Appleton for quality dentistry. Get top-quality dental care for yourself and your family at Callie + Michael Romenesko – A Family Dental Studio.