Grins & Giggles Family Dentistry is now accepting new patients! |
Dental Exam Spokane ValleyReceiving a dental exam offers you a first line of defense against potential dental problems like decay, enamel erosion, gum disease, and tooth loss. Every reputable dentist will tell you that you need to get regular exams and cleanings because that is the most crucial way of preventing dental problems. Even if you brush and floss diligently, you still need to see our dentist to be examined. Often, dental problems can mask themselves and continue progressing silently. At Grins & Giggles Family Dentistry, we focus on preventative care because it eliminates the need for costly, repetitive, or lengthy treatments or even irreversible damage. We advise that you visit us every six months to have a dental exam in Spokane. During dental exams, we also do dental cleaning to sweep away plaque, tartar, bacteria, and deposits that you missed with your home oral hygiene practices. The Importance of a Dental ExamHealthy adults and children should receive a dental exam two times a year (every six months), according to the American Dental Association. Dental exams allow a dentist to catch minor problems early on, which, if left unchecked, could turn into serious dental problems. For people with existing gum disease or a higher risk for cavities, we may suggest that they see our dentist more often. When dental issues are spotted early on, it is easier to treat or manage them. As such, it minimizes the need for undergoing invasive treatments. Intervention measures can be provided earlier to mitigate the issue before it worsens. What Does a Dental Exam Involve?Typically, our dentist begins by asking you about your dental and health history. If you have been having any dental issues, tell the dentist. A dental hygienist performs dental cleaning to clear biofilm, bacteria, and tartar. X-rays are also taken to further check the internal structures of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, and bone. X-rays can reveal tiny cracks beginning to form, decay inside a tooth, pulp infection, or bone deterioration. When conducting the exam, our dentist checks for decay, gum disease, evidence of teeth grinding or enamel erosion, and bone loss. Further, the dentist will see if there are loose fillings or crowns if you have them. Additionally, we screen you for oral cancer, looking for any signs of suspicious tissue or abnormalities. Recommending TreatmentIf we do not catch any issues with your oral health, we set the next appointment for six months later. However, if we find any issues, we discuss the treatment options. Our dentist will involve you in all the steps so that you make proper decisions. We may recommend treatments like sealants, fillings, fluoride treatment, crowns, or mouthguards. It all depends on the condition of your oral health. Educating Our PatientsWe provide tips that help you maintain healthy teeth and gums at home. Educating patients is part of our mission. It is also an important area of our preventative dental care. We show you how to brush and floss properly and what foods you should incorporate into your diet for healthy, strong teeth. Contact us at (509) 928-4746 to speak to one of our friendly staff regarding your appointment, or visit us at Grins & Giggles Family Dentistry to receive your dental exam. |