Dental Checkup
Nampa, ID
Dental Checkups provided by Dr. Christensen
and Dr. Sipes
in Nampa, ID at Middle Creek Dental
 What is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?
A dental exam is a comprehensive examination of the oral cavity and surrounding areas.
It usually begins with a discussion on medical history, followed by an evaluation of your overall health.
During the examination, the dentist will have you open your mouth wide to examine your mouth effectively.
Afterward, they will thoroughly explain the diagnosis and show you the way forward regarding your oral health examination.
We do exactly the same at Middle Creek Dental. We offer a comprehensive dental examination to all of our patients.
What Happens During a Dental Exam? A dental exam is a great way to assess your oral health and get important information about your teeth and gums.
This might include checking for cavities, tartar buildup, or other issues that can affect the health of your smile.
During the exam, you will be asked questions by our dentist or hygienist.
The goal of each question is to help us understand what we are looking at and how it affects your overall health.
Here are some things that we will include in the examination.
Complete History and Examination
This is our first phase of the dental exam, which will entail a thorough historical overview and examination of your teeth, mouth, and gums in a bid to rule out past conditions, which could have played a key role.
Our dentist will then ask you questions about your habits, such as how often you floss, brush or use mouthwash and whether you have any concerns about other issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay.
They will then conduct a quick visual inspection of your teeth for re-affirmation.
A Thorough Examination of Your Mouth
After the evaluation of oral hygiene, our dentist will carefully examine your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, lips, and jawbones using diagnostic tools like intraoral cameras.
X-rays can also be used in conjunction with MRI scans until an initial and comprehensive diagnosis is made.
Our dentist will also examine visible signs of something that might be wrong.
These include inflammation in the lymph nodes under the jawbone (mandibular bones) and swollen glands near the jawbone.
These two visible signs are often associated with gum disease.
Personal Habits
Then finally, a comprehensive dental exam will be incomplete if the dentist hasn't collected your personal information.
We use this information to identify potential problems and counsel patients on how to improve their oral health habits.
Why Are Dental Exams So Important?
Dental exams are an important part of your overall health and well-being.
If you have a toothache or other oral pain, the dentist may need to check for problems with the jawbone or other mouth areas.
Dental exams help detect early oral cancer cases before they are severe.
Our dentist can screen for these cancers by looking for changes in the color, shape, or texture of the tissue under your tongue or in your cheek area.
You can prevent oral cancer by maintaining a healthy mouth through regular examinations and dental checkups every six months.
To Evaluate Your Overall Health and Well-Being
A dental exam detects oral conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay, and debilitating cavities.
Our dentist will then recommend favorable treatments to end this pain.
They will also be able to spot any sign of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, contributing to your oral problems.
Checking Your Jaw or Bite for Abnormalities
Our dentist can check whether there are any problems with your bite or jaw that may be causing pain, discomfort, or even chronic problems like temporomandibular joint TMJ syndrome.
This is because the muscles in your jaw affect how you chew and speak. An early dental exam will spot any abnormalities in your jaw, calling for respective treatment.
Checking for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease occurs when plaque builds up on the gum line triggering inflammation.
Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and bone loss around the affected area, which is known as gum recession.
A dental checkup will help identify any areas of concern so appropriate treatment can begin immediately.
Keeps Your Smile Bright and Healthy
Our teeth are our most valuable assets. They help us eat and speak while also improving our smile.
With regular checkups, you can maintain your smile without being worried about potential dental diseases.
Preventive Care
When you visit us regularly, we will provide you with extensive preventive care tips to help you avoid future dental problems. Preventative care is the most important for maintaining oral health.
How Long Does a Dental Exam Take?
The time we take for dental examination depends on the patient and the part of the mouth being examined.
However, an average dental exam can take about 15 to 60 minutes and can be anywhere from one to five visits, depending on your needs and the complexity of your case.
How Often Do You Need a Dental Exam?
Dental exams are an important part of your overall health. Regular checkups can detect early signs of disease, saving you time and money in the long run.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone get a dental exam at least once annually, even if they don't experience discomfort.
Remember, the goal is to catch any signs of decay or gum disease before they escalate and cause pain — or worse, infection.
Schedule a Dental Exam in Nampa, ID Today
If you're looking for a dentist in Nampa, ID, you've come to the right place. At , we are your number-one choice for all of your dental needs.
We offer complete dentistry services, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry, root canals, and crowns.
Our goal is to provide our patients with the highest quality care while offering affordable rates.
If you're interested in scheduling a dental exam or any other type of dental treatment, please call us today at (208) 505-9975 or schedule an appointment online. |
