Regular dental exams help protect your oral health and general well-being. A dental exam gives your dentist a chance to detect any problems early — when they’re most treatable. It might feel like going to the dentist is expensive, but we always tell our patients that dentistry can be similar to a car. Is it cheaper to change to oil in your car regularly, or never change the oil and just replace the motor when it explodes? Right! Routine maintenance is what gives you your best chance to keep dental costs down and your teeth in the best shape possible. Treating problems when they are small will help save you thousands of dollars down the road.

During a dental exam, the hygienists and Dr. Coope will together, as a team, do the following:

• Take dental x-rays if necessary
• Evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene (i.e sugar frequency, tobacco use, etc.)
• Remove stains or deposits (such as tarter or plaque) on your teeth during your dental cleaning
• Evaluate your risk of tooth decay and gum or bone disease
• Demonstrate proper hygiene techniques
• Propose any treatment needed

During a dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will also ask about any health problems you have or medications you’re taking and discuss how they might affect your oral health. If you have prosthetic replacements — such as dentures or bridges — your dentist or hygienist will examine how well they fit and discuss the need for adjustments.

After your dental exam, the dentist or hygienist will discuss your oral health, including your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and any other oral health problems, and preventive measures you can take to improve and protect your oral health.

The dentist or hygienist will also recommend the best time to return for a follow-up visit. If you’re at high risk of tooth decay or gum disease or have other oral health problems, the dentist or hygienist might recommend more frequent checkups like mentioned above.