Dental Exam in State College, PA

To stay healthy and keep your smile looking its very best, it is important to have your oral health examined on a routine basis. Dental exams at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County allow our dentists to evaluate your overall dental health and screen for tooth decay (cavities), oral cancer, gum (periodontal) disease, and other oral concerns. During dental examinations in State College, PA, a series of x-rays may be taken to provide us with better insight into hidden problems that may be developing beneath your gums and within your jaw. These services also allow us to identify and treat oral health needs early before conditions become more involved and expensive to repair. If you live in or near State College, PA, schedule a comprehensive dental exam for you and your family members with our caring team at Advanced Dentistry!

Oral cancer includes any abnormal group of cells in the mouth and may affect any structure within the mouth, including the jawbone, gums, lips, throat, tongue, soft and hard palates, the floor of the mouth, and salivary glands. Every dental exam at Advanced Dentistry includes a screening for oral cancer to check for early symptoms of this condition. During an oral cancer screening in State College, PA, we look for sores that do not heal, suspicious lesions, irregular or raised areas of tissue, and lumps or nodules. Our dentists will also palpate the neck, chin, cheeks, and jaw for abnormal growths. Should any areas of concern be found, a biopsy might be performed or you may be referred to a specialist for further assessment and care.

State College, PA patients of every age should receive a thorough dental exam at least once a year. Many common problems, like gum disease (the primary reason for tooth loss), do not always exhibit obvious signs or symptoms. When issues are caught early, you will generally have a wider range of treatment options and a better chance at a full recovery.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that all children visit a dentist before their first birthday. Our dentists can talk with you about common dental concerns, including the use of pacifiers, teething and tooth eruption, and baby bottle tooth decay. The team at Advanced Dentistry can also help you identify the best ways to care and clean your little one's gums and teeth — so they develop good habits early in life. Dental exams are also vital for older children as their teeth, gums, and jaw develop.

Before getting started with your comprehensive dental exam, our team will review your medical and dental history along with any supplements or medication you may take. We will listen to your oral concerns and goals for your smile to gain a better idea of your overall oral health. Digital x-rays may be taken on a periodic basis so that we can evaluate for any hidden or early dental problems. Your dental exam will then begin with a thorough evaluation of your soft tissues and screening for signs of oral cancer. We will perform a gum disease screening and evaluate your neck, head, and jaw, including the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and bite. Your teeth will be evaluated for signs of decay, and any restorations you have will be checked for integrity, fit, and wear. Once the exam is complete, our dentists will review our findings and talk with you about how to best treat your oral health needs.

At the end of your exam visit, our team will review any treatment recommendations with you and answer questions you may have about your care. We can also help you schedule your next visit and ensure you book a time most convenient for your family's schedule. If our dentists do not find any concerns during your routine dental exams, then you can continue with a good oral hygiene routine at home with thorough brushing and flossing at least twice a day. In many cases, we may perform your dental exams during your regular dental cleanings at Advanced Dentistry.

As a preventive care service, a dental exam is critical to your dental health and is generally covered by most insurance plans. Our financial coordinator will contact your insurance company to understand your coverage and make you aware of any personal expenses. Advanced Dentistry accepts several easy payment options and a Healthy Smiles Program to help all patients have access to the benefits of dental care.

How long will my dental exam take?

Your dental exam in State College, PA, could take around 30 - 60 minutes, depending on the condition of your oral health. If you have had significant changes to your oral health, then your exam might take longer for the dentist to gather information and determine the proper course of treatment.

Are dental exams painful?

Your dental exam and any possible x-rays that are taken should not cause any significant discomfort. Our dental team uses the latest in advanced techniques and technologies to ensure you experience little to no pain during your dental exam.

What should I do to prepare for a dental exam?

Between dental appointments, always maintain a good oral hygiene routine with twice-daily flossing and brushing. Immediately before seeing the dentist, we recommend you brush your teeth and avoid consuming food or beverages within an hour of your appointment. Wear comfortable clothes and bring any concerns you might have up with your dental team when you are seen.

Good oral health means more than just visiting the dentist when something is amiss. Keeping up with routine dental exams with our dentists at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County can allow us to identify potential oral problems in the early stages and save you from needing more extensive, expensive, and time-consuming care. Schedule comprehensive dental exam visits for your family at our State College, PA practice today.