Routine Dental Exams in Flagstaff, AZ

Most patients often wonder why it is essential to keep their regular dental appointments, especially if they are not suffering from any troublesome dental issues such as a toothache or sensitivity.  The truth is that  regular dental check-ups enable your dentist to monitor your individual oral health and help your teeth and gums stay strong, healthy, and disease-free.

What To Expect During Routine Exams

Routine/periodic dental exams are usually completed following a comprehensive cleaning by the dental hygienist. During the cleaning process, plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth and under your gums and  other dental appliances are also cleaned and polished.  Once the cleaning is completed, the dentist will step into the room to complete your examination  

The dentist will begin your routine check-up by conducting an in-depth examination of your head and neck, including the face, neck, jaw joints, and lymph nodes. 

Next, the dentist will do a thorough dental examination of your teeth, gums, lips, and the entire oral cavity. This will involve checking for cavities, tooth decay, periodontal diseases, damaged and loose teeth, compromised  fillings, and any other dental concerns. X-rays will be taken to aid in the examination and diagnosis of any dental concerns.  The dentist will also check your bite to determine if a recommendation for orthodontic treatment should be made..

Why Is It So Important To See Your Dentist Regularly?

Preventing cavities and tooth decay

It is not always easy to keep cavities and tooth decay at bay, even though you may follow a strict oral hygiene schedule. Cavities usually start in hard-to-reach areas and can go unnoticed by you until larger dental issues develop that could have been prevented by regular check-ups.  By seeing your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and routine exams, you can stop any dental decay in the early stages before larger problems like root canals and extractions are needed. Your dentist is trained to catch dental cavities before they cause dental pain or more complex dental treatment.  

Screening for periodontal diseases

Regular visits will ensure the early detection of gum disease before it escalates into complex periodontal disease. They will allow the dentist and hygienist to help you manage and improve  your gum health and minimize the risk of developing periodontal disease,  infections and/or possible tooth loss.

Oral cancer detection

During regular dental check-ups, the dentist will screen you for oral and head and neck cancer. If you go to dental check-ups at least once every six months, abnormalities can be detected early. The early diagnosis of oral cancer increases the chances of making a good recovery before the condition progresses into a life-threatening situation.

X-Rays and finding underlying dental issues

The X-rays taken during your regular check-ups will help your dentist find issues within the teeth, beneath the surface of the gums, and within your jawbone. X-rays are a standard of care that are needed to detect dental concerns such as decay, infections, impacted teeth, cysts, jaw bone loss, tumors or other potentially significant problems that may not otherwise be noticed during a routine visual examination.

Call us at (928) 774-4412 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.