General Examinations & X-rays In Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
Detailed General Examinations To Improve Your Oral Health
A general examinations is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. It involves a thorough assessment of the teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues. A dental examination typically includes a physical examination, a review of your dental history, and a series of X-rays.
During a physical general examinations, your dentist will visually inspect the teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues for signs of disease or damage. They may also use special instruments to check for tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. Your dentist will also evaluate your bite and jaw alignment to identify any potential issues that may require treatment.
A review of your medical and dental history is also an important part of a dental examination. Your dentist at Four Oaks Dental will ask about any current medical conditions, medications, and allergies that could impact oral health. They will also ask about any previous dental treatments and any concerns or symptoms that you may have. At Four Oaks Dental your oral health and wellbeing is our priority.
Types of X-rays
There are several types of dental X-rays, which record slightly different views of your mouth. The most common are intraoral and extraoral X-rays, such as:
Bitewing
This technique involves biting down on a special piece of paper so that your dentist can see how well the crowns of your teeth match up. This is commonly used to check for cavities between teeth (interdental).
Occlusal
This X-ray is done when your jaw is closed to see how your upper and bottom teeth line up. It can also detect anatomical abnormalities with the floor of the mouth or the palate.
Panoramic
For this type of X-ray, the machine rotates around the head. Your dentist may use this technique to check your wisdom teeth, plan for implanted dental devices, or investigate jaw problems.
Periapical
This type of X-rays are used to evaluate the root structure of individual teeth and to detect any infections or abscesses in the jawbone. They are typically taken when a patient is experiencing dental pain or discomfort and they can also be used to monitor the progress of dental treatments, such as root canals or fillings.
The Benefits
There are several advantages to having regular examinations with your dentist, such as:
Regular dental exams are essential for children, as well. Children’s teeth and mouths are constantly growing and changing, making them more susceptible to dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. Regular dental exams can help detect these issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more severe problems.
Aside from identifying dental problems, regular dental exams can also help prevent them. Dentists can provide advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend oral hygiene products, and advise on lifestyle habits that can affect oral health. For example, consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay, and smoking can increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Regular dental exams are also essential for individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. These conditions can increase the risk of dental problems, and regular dental exams can help detect and treat these issues before they become severe.
Furthermore, regular dental exams can also help identify problems with the jaw and bite. Misaligned teeth, an overbite, or an underbite can cause discomfort and make it challenging to eat and speak properly. Dental exams can help detect these issues, and the dentist can recommend appropriate treatment options, such as braces or retainers.
Ignoring regular dental exams can lead to severe dental problems that could require extensive treatment. For example, untreated cavities can lead to tooth loss, and untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even bone loss in the jaw. These issues can be costly to treat and may require extensive dental procedures such as dental implants or gum surgery.
