Dental Exams and Preventive Services

The American Dental Association recommends maintaining regular dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. In most cases, people need to visit the dentist twice a year for exams and preventive services. However, patients with gum disease and those at a higher risk of developing dental decay may require more frequent visits.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit Basin Dental Suite for your regular dental exam and preventive care:

Digital X-Rays: We’ll take dental X-rays to reveal tooth decay between your teeth, bone loss, cysts, or any other potential problems we can’t see during your physical exam. That way we can create a targeted and effective treatment plan for long-term healthy smiles.

Tooth by Tooth Exam: A tooth by tooth examination will evaluate the health of your tooth enamel and help rule out tooth decay, cracks, or chips, and ensure any dental work is free of damage. Identifying and treating any condition early on prevents the need for costly and involved treatments down the road.

Periodontal Exam: A periodontal exam will evaluate the health of your gums and ensure you are free of periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. This progressive condition not only affects your oral health but can also impact your overall health.

Bite Analysis: We will conduct a bite analysis to evaluate your occlusion (bite) to ensure it’s healthy. Otherwise, you risk various oral health problems, including excessive tooth wear, loose teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

Oral Cancer Screening: This quick and painless screening can be a lifesaver because it helps reveal any potential concerns. Identifying and treating oral cancer in its early stages provides the best possible chance for cure.

Dental Cleaning: Our dental hygienist will clean off plaque and tartar buildup from around your gum line and between your teeth, then floss and polish those pearly whites. Dental cleanings have been shown to lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Preventive Treatments: If needed, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks. Fluoride can also reverse the earliest stages of tooth decay by remineralizing the tooth enamel.

Patient Education: During your visit, we will discuss your oral hygiene habits and offer advice and pointers on healthy practices for healthy smiles. We welcome your questions and are always here to support your dental health any way we can!

Next Steps: After your exam and cleaning, we’ll discuss our findings with you. We’ll recommend any needed preventive or restorative dentistry procedures to keep your teeth and gums at their best. Together, we’ll create your fully customized treatment plan to address your smile’s unique needs.