Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Bay: The Dental Exam

This article explores all the various oral examinations a patient can expect during one of their regular check-up appointments with the dentist.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Bay: Overview

We would all like to believe that those regular visits entitle us to claim that our oral health benefits from all the very best comprehensive dentistry Green Bay has to offer. Yet, it can be said with confidence that few of us actually know what it is the dentist is doing when we spend the time in his chair!  What does comprehensive dentistry in Green Bay entail? For your information (and peace of mind) this article will provide a brief scope of all the various examinations your dentist performs during a regular check-up in order to ensure your optimal oral health and hygiene.

The Dental Exam

During your session of comprehensive dentistry in Green Bay, the dentist will complete the following oral exams:

Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Bay: Visual Exam

Your check-up will begin with a thorough visual exam of your teeth and gums. The dentist will explore each and every tooth, scrutinizing each one for decay, accumulations of plaque and tartar (soft and hard deposits of bacteria respectively) as well as any signs of damage such as cracks, chips, erosions, tooth brush abrasions, wear, and cavities.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Bay: X-ray Diagnostic Exam

A thorough examination of your oral health goes much deeper than a simple evaluation of the surfaces of your teeth. In order to detect the presence of cysts, tumors, decay and bone loss in the jaw (as a result of bacterial infection that has penetrated into your gingival sulci) the dentist will need to take X-rays of your mouth and jaw. This doesn’t take more than a few minutes and you will receive notification should he find anything that requires prompt treatment. X-rays also aid in the visualization of root position, so that any existing or potential problems (such as the emergence of wisdom teeth) can be dealt with accordingly.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Bay: Oral Cancer Screening

This may sound frightening, but oral cancer is a serious problem that is diagnosed in approximately 34,000 patients every year! Caught in the early stages, the treatment is far more successful and less expensive and traumatic on the body. During this exam, the dentist will check your face, tongue, throat, neck, lips and gums for any abnormalities, growths or chronic sores that could be indicative of a much more serious condition.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Bay: Detecting Gum Disease

Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) is a pervasive problem that affects a staggering number of people in the United States. If left untreated, it causes the collapse of bone tissue in the jaw and eventual tooth loss. During your check-up, the dentist will make sure that you do not present with any early signs of gum disease to avoid the development of serious problems later on in life.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Bay: Existing Restorations

Should you have any restorations such as crowns, fillings, dentures, porcelain veneers, etc. the dentist will make sure that they are still stable, sealed, functioning optimally and looking good!