Dental Exam Specialist

What is a dental exam?

A dental exam is a professional assessment of your oral health. Dental exams are a cornerstone of good preventive care, and one of the best ways to make sure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful.

Why is a dental exam important?

No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth at home, your mouth is still susceptible to developing potentially damaging dental conditions. Some complications, like tooth decay and gum disease, don’t necessarily present noticeable symptoms at first, meaning they can develop into their later and more harmful stages without you even knowing it.

When you have regular and routine dental exams, Dr. Hernandez can closely monitor your oral health and catch problems in their earliest stages. Treating dental concerns before they have a chance to fully develop saves you time and money and enables you to keep more of your natural oral structures intact.

What happens during a dental exam?

Dr. Hernandez provides thorough and comprehensive dental exams that have distinct components, including:

Examination of diagnostic X-rays

X-rays give Dr. Hernandez a deeper look into your oral structures, enabling him to detect decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. They also help him determine the positioning of your teeth and their roots.

Oral cancer screening

Dr. Hernandez checks your gums, tongue, lips, neck, face, throat, and oral tissues for any signs of oral cancer.

Gum disease evaluation

Dr. Hernandez evaluates the health of your gums and the bone around your teeth and measures the size of the pockets between your teeth and gums to determine if gum disease is present.

Examination of tooth decay

Dr. Hernandez uses special dental instruments to carefully examine the surfaces of your teeth and check for signs of tooth decay or cavities. If he notices signs of tooth decay, he might recommend a filling. 

Examination of existing restorations

Dr. Hernandez assesses the state of any current fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, or dentures, making sure they’re in optimal shape.

What is a dental cleaning?

You typically get a dental cleaning (dental prophylaxis) during the same appointment as your dental exam. A registered dental hygienist uses special tools to remove all of the plaque and tartar from your teeth, then administers a professional brushing, polishing, and flossing. 

Schedule your dental exam and cleaning with Dr. Hernandez today by calling the office or using the convenient online booking tool.