The Importance of Dental Exams
By scheduling routine dental exams, you can take a proactive approach and help maintain the health of your smile. An annual oral exam at Complete Family Dentistry screens for tooth cavities, gum disease, cancer of the mouth, and different problems that might impact your dental and overall health. Generally completed during your biannual teeth cleaning appointments, standard exams allow us to study the teeth, gumline, bite alignment, jaw joints, and various other oral concerns. During an annual exam, we can identify any issues, develop a treatment plan, and provide care for oral conditions. If you want to ensure the health and appearance of your teeth, please set up a yearly dental examination at our Wellsboro, PA facility.
Oral Cancer Screening
Each year, around 50,000 Americans are affected by oral cancer. However, when promptly identified, we can easily treat the disease. Oral cancer is a quickly expanding formation of cells that may occur inside of or around the oral cavity, including in the mouth, face, tongue, saliva glands, jawbone, and the throat. We perform an oral cancer screening at every dental exam to look for precancerous tumors, malignant cells, or other signs. Often, oral cancer exhibits specific symptoms, such as:
- Abrasions
- Masses
- Raised or textured lesions
- Discolored regions
The regions in question might be excised and analyzed, or we might recommend a physician for further management.
Dental Exam Reviews
Who Should Get Dental Exams?
At least once a year, Wellsboro, PA residents of any age need to receive dental exams. Dental exams can also evaluate tooth sensitivity, trauma, or additional concerns that could develop between appointments. Gum disease (the primary reason for tooth loss) and cavities may not cause apparent signs until later. If we find dental issues early on, patients may require less invasive solutions for management.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all young patients should visit a dental practitioner before they turn a year old. To treat kids at a young age, our team can address a range of concerns, such as tooth development and sucking on the thumb. As your child's jaws grow, we will guide you in caring for their teeth and gums. Annual dental exams can help your children establish great oral habits and allow them to enjoy glowing smiles in the future.
What To Expect During Your Visit
Annual exams at Complete Family Dentistry begin with an overview of your dental record. To learn more about your general oral wellness, a team member will discuss any health problems or aesthetic smile likes/dislikes. During your annual visit, we will perform digital x-rays so we can closely review your enamel and oral bone structures. Our team may also screen for oral cancer, check the balance of your arches and jaws, assess your teeth for irregularities, or the wear of any dental appliances. For some patients, we may perform a gum assessment to discover any areas of periodontal disease.
After Your Dental Exam
Practicing good dental hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, can decrease your risk for cavities and periodontal disease. We perform routine dental exams once a year. Often, our team completes the exam during one of your professional teeth cleaning sessions. However, because of a serious oral condition, some patients may need to schedule exams more often. Our practice provides many comprehensive solutions, such as tooth-colored cavity fillings, dental implants, and porcelain veneers. If required, our staff may help you arrange check-in appointments.
Protect Your Smile With Preventive Care
Attaining a bright smile requires more effort than just seeing your dentist if you experience something abnormal. At Complete Family Dentistry in Wellsboro, PA, routine dental exams improve your chances for early identification. Essential for protecting your oral health, we can provide treatments to address specific issues. Arrange your family's comprehensive dental exams with one of our expert team members.