Your Dental Exam: Here’s What to Expect!

Brushing and flossing every day keeps your smile healthy, however another important part of your routine is seeing your dentist in West Hollywood. A comprehensive exam from a dental professional will prevent and detect oral health problems before they become more severe and costly. But what happens during a regular dental exam? Keep reading to learn the answer as well as why they’re so vital.

How Should You Prepare for a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

When going in for a routine dental exam, there is very little preparation required. Typically, these exams follow a cleaning with your dental hygienist, so you won’t even have to feel self-conscious about how well you clean your teeth. However, if you want to do your dental staff a favor, give your teeth a brush before coming in—they will appreciate it.

What to Expect During Your Dental Exam

During your comprehensive exam, your dentist will take X-Rays to examine parts of your mouth that can’t be seen with the naked eye. This is typically where problems like cavities and decay are detected. Additionally, they will take measurements of your gums and keep track of their health. Gum disease is a common problem that affects half of the US population, which is why your dentist will measure their height and check their condition during exams.

In addition to checking the health of your teeth and gums, your dentist will also look for oral cancer. This is a problem that can be completely treated if caught early on, and dentists detect over 80% of oral cancer cases in the US. This is done through a visual and physical exam. They will check your mouth, neck, head, jaw, lips, gums, tongue, throat, and other related areas for any abnormalities. They will also feel along your lymph nodes and jaw to see if there are any asymmetries. If they do detect a warning sign, they will order a biopsy for further examination. In total, oral cancer screenings take a matter of minutes, but they are potentially lifesaving.

The Importance of Comprehensive Exams Before Cosmetic Treatment

A comprehensive dental exam may not be on your list of fun things to do, however it’s incredibly important for everyone to visit their dentist at least twice a year. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry treatment, it’s even more vital that you visit your dentist for an exam. Before beginning cosmetic dentistry, any dental problems like decay, gum disease, or infection must be treated. Many dental issues can go unnoticed on your own, which is why a comprehensive exam with a dental professional is necessary.

Now that you know the importance of comprehensive dental exams, what are you waiting for? Contact your dentist to book an appointment and ensure your oral health.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Proshat Shahrestany graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry, and she has been committed to providing quality care for her patients ever since. She offers comprehensive exams along with numerous other preventive services to keep her patients happy and healthy. For any questions, she can be reached through her website or by phone at (818) 760-0200.