Here's Why Regular Dental Visits are Important for Your Oral Health
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Getting a comprehensive dental exam twice a year helps you keep your teeth and gums healthy, detect and treat serious issues such as oral cancer before they become problematic, and contributes to your overall health. If you're looking for a dentist to perform your annual exams and twice-yearly cleanings, the Advanced Dentistry of Centre County team is pleased to serve residents in and around State College, PA.
Keep reading to find out why you should come in regularly for a dental visit.
What happens during a dental exam?
The main goal of a dental exam is typically to assess tooth decay and gum disease. X-rays may also be necessary to assess your jaw and the area beneath your gums where the roots of your teeth reside. Every dental exam at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County includes a screening for oral cancer to check for early symptoms of this condition.
During your appointment, a member of our team will start by speaking to you about your dental health history as well as any discomfort or other issues you may be experiencing.
In addition to x-rays and oral cancer screenings, you can expect our team to:
- Address any oral health issues you bring up
- Assess your gums, tongue, and neck, as well as your bite and temporomandibular joint
- Examine the teeth for abnormalities and alert you of cavities or signs of infection
- Check any fillings or other restorative work you have to assess their condition
- Create a care plan that explains any restorative dental work you might need in the future
- Address any cosmetic concerns you bring up
- Provide hygiene tips to improve overall health
- Schedule a follow-up exam or any further treatment you may need
Getting these exams, having a dental cleaning twice a year, and following the tips from your dentist will help you avoid pain and costly dental work in the future.
What happens if you skip annual dental exams?
Sometimes, people are anxious about going to the dentist and avoid it. But this makes problems worse, and the treatments to fix them become more invasive. Dental care has come a long way in the last few years, and dentists are sensitive to people's fears about pain. A dental exam generally is not uncomfortable unless you are already in pain.
When oral health issues are caught early, they tend to require less invasive treatment. For example, you can catch cavities when they only need fillings rather than extractions.
How do I prepare for a dental exam?
A dental exam takes anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes, depending on your oral health and the extent of your questions for the dentist. If it's your first appointment, you'll want to set aside some extra time to arrive early so you can fill out paperwork that includes your insurance information (if applicable) and respond to questions about your dental history.
It's a good idea to brush your teeth and avoid eating an hour before your appointment.
See a State College, PA dentist for a dental exam
If it's been over a year since you've had a dental exam, it's time to get back on track with your oral health. To get started, schedule an appointment with the team at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.