What is included in a comprehensive dental exam?

Our comprehensive exam at Chew Dental in Dunedin differs from the dental clean and check. The dental cleaning includes a quick surface exam by a dentist, which is about 10 minutes. This team care approach from the dentist and hygienist is designed to give you the best possible care. When the dentist pops in, they will say hello, listen to any concerns, verify any findings by the hygienist, and answer any dentist-specific questions you may have.

The comprehensive exam is far more thorough, with an optional OPG x-ray and a full tooth assessment above and below the gum line in. This detailed analysis allows the dentist to provide a longer-term treatment plan to get your teeth looking and feeling healthy.

The comprehensive exam is about 30 minutes long and includes the following:

• Bite Wing Xrays

• OPG Xray

• Intraoral photos

• Pocket depth analysis

• Gum, mouth and jaw assessment

• A discussion with the dentist on what suits you and your budget

• Oral health advice

A dental exam is an essential practice for maintaining good oral health and comes with multiple benefits:

1. Early Detection of Dental Issues: Regular dental exams allow dentists to detect dental problems at their earliest stages. This includes identifying cavities (dental caries), gum disease, oral infections, and other dental conditions before they become more severe and potentially require more extensive and costly treatments.

2. Prevention of Dental Problems: Dental exams provide an opportunity for preventive care. Dentists can recommend and perform preventive measures such as dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to protect your teeth and gums.

3. Oral Cancer Screening: Dental exams often include an oral cancer screening. Dentists are trained to recognise the early signs and symptoms of oral cancer, which can be life-saving when detected and treated early.

4. Assessment of Bite and Jaw Health: Dentists examine your bite (how your upper and lower teeth fit together) and the health of your jaw joints (temporomandibular joints or TMJ). Problems with your bite or jaw joint can lead to conditions like jaw joint pain or migraines / headaches.

5. X-rays and Imaging: Dental exams may involve taking dental X-rays or other imaging to check for issues that are not visible during a visual examination. X-rays can reveal problems like hidden cavities, impacted teeth, and infections.

6. Personalised Oral Health Advice: During a dental exam, your dentist can provide personalised advice on oral hygiene practices, diet, and lifestyle habits that can improve your oral health. They can recommend the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss for your specific needs.

7. Discussion of Dental Concerns: Dental exams allow you to discuss any dental concerns or discomfort you may be experiencing. Your dentist can address your questions and provide solutions to improve your comfort and oral health.

8. Treatment Planning: If dental issues are identified during the exam, your dentist can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include scheduling follow-up appointments for fillings, root canals, extractions, orthodontic treatment, or other necessary procedures.

9. Overall Health Implications: Some systemic health conditions can manifest oral symptoms. During a dental exam, your dentist may identify signs or symptoms indicative of underlying medical conditions. Early detection of such issues can lead to timely further evaluation and treatment referrals.

Regular dental exams, typically recommended every six months, are crucial to preventive healthcare. They help maintain your oral health and can contribute to your overall well-being by identifying and addressing potential health concerns early on. Regular dental care can save you both time and money in the long run by preventing more extensive and costly dental procedures.