The Importance of Comprehensive Dental Exams

You brush and floss regularly, and your smile feels just fine, so why keep up with your comprehensive dental exams? Preventive dental care is the foundation of lasting oral health, halting the onset or progression of dental disease. At High Street Dentistry, we strive to lay the foundation for healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

How Often Should You Schedule Your Comprehensive Dental Exams?

Dental professionals typically recommend that patients with healthy smiles schedule comprehensive dental exams every six months. However, those with periodontal disease or risk factors for dental disease may require more frequent care.

What Can You Expect During Your Visit?

Here is a look at what you can expect during your comprehensive dental exam:

• Health Review: We will begin by discussing your dental and general health and ask you about changes since your last visit. This is the perfect time for you to ask any questions or share any concerns.
• Full Mouth X-Rays: We typically capture full-mouth X-rays once a year to uncover signs of hidden oral health problems. These include early decay, gum inflammation, bone loss, infections, and other underlying concerns.
• Comprehensive Exam: A thorough examination will help check for signs of tooth decay, chips, gum disease, damaged restorations, and more. Catching any problems in their earliest stages helps prevent the need for more extensive treatments later.
• Oral Cancer Screening: We will examine your mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues for any unusual changes or abnormalities. This quick and pain-free screening helps detect early signs of oral cancer, which can potentially be a lifesaver.
• Evaluating Your Bite and Jaw: We will evaluate the alignment of your teeth and bite. We will also examine your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and surrounding muscles to rule out any discomfort, clicking, or restricted movement.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning: We may perform a professional dental cleaning on the day of your exam or may set a separate appointment. Our hygienist will remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that brushing and flossing can’t reach. Regular dental cleanings have been shown to significantly lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, enhancing your smile and your overall well-being.

What Are the Benefits of Keeping Up with Your Comprehensive Dental Exams?

Your comprehensive dental exams offer numerous benefits, including the following:

• Prevention: Your dental cleanings help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, oral infections, and a host of oral health concerns.
• Early Detection: Regular exams help us identify oral health concerns as they develop, ensuring prompt treatment.
• Brighter Teeth: Your dental cleanings help remove plaque and surface stains, keeping your smile fresh and your teeth bright.
• Protection of Existing Dental Work: Ongoing exams help monitor dental restorations, including fillings, crowns, and bridges, helping ensure optimal comfort, function, and longevity.
• Better Overall Health: Good dental health has been linked to better overall well-being and a lower risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications.
• Long-Term Savings: Preventive dental care reduces the risk of emergencies and the need for extensive and costly restorative procedures down the road.

Comprehensive Dental Exams Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

If you haven’t had a comprehensive dental exam lately, contact High Street Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Jones and his patient-centered team are dedicated to ensuring patients in Jefferson City and the surrounding communities enjoy lifelong oral health. We invite you to call us at (573) 636-7432 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!