Dental Exams Specialist

What is a dental exam?

A dental exam is a preventive health measure used to check in on your overall oral health and well-being. The American Dental Association recommends you participate in a dental exam two times a year, or once every six months. 

Many serious problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay, don’t present obvious symptoms in their early stages. As a result, you might be at risk and not even realize it. 

Regular dental exams can alert you to these issues early on when they’re most responsive to treatment. They also provide an opportunity for you to build a relationship with Dr. Nguyen. 

What happens during a dental exam?

First, your Portrait Dental dental hygienist conducts an exam of your mouth. Your hygienist uses a small, circular mirror to check around your teeth and gums for any signs of inflammation or other potential concerns. 

If your hygienist sees something unusual, they might ask Dr. Nguyen to take a look before moving forward with treatment. 

Next, your dental hygienist begins removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth using a metal tool called a scaler. 

You might hear a scraping sound during this part of your dental exam, but this is nothing to worry about. The greater your tartar build up, the longer this part of your exam takes. 

After removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth, your dental hygienist polishes your teeth with a gritty toothpaste and does an expert flossing to remove any plaque or food particles stuck between your teeth. Then your hygienist rinses out your mouth.

Last, but not least, Dr. Nguyen examines your teeth. If he detects a cavity or other potential problem, he might also order a series of X-rays or further investigate with an intraoral scanner. 

Why are dental exams important?

Dental exams are important for several reasons. For one, they can alert you to issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Without proper treatment, these issues can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. 

In addition, your physical and oral health are inextricably linked. Clinical studies suggest gum disease may also increase your risk of chronic health problems including high blood pressure and diabetes. 

Whether you’ve recently relocated to the Katy area and want to establish care or it’s been more than a year since your last dental exam, request an appointment at Portrait Dental today by clicking the online booking tool or calling the office.