What Does The Dentist Look For During A Dental Exam?

Dental examinations are an important part of maintaining ideal oral health and catching dental problems before they develop further. At LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, our skilled team of dental professionals recommends routine dental exams in order to be able to identify any existing issues and curate an appropriate treatment plan for the best possible results. It is our goal to preserve the oral and dental health of our patients by identifying signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer. Learn more about what occurs during a comprehensive dental exam and what your dentist looks for during an exam.

Digital X-Rays

Most often taken at the start of a dental cleaning or exam, digital X-rays provide a more in-depth view of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Our LANCO Dental Care team carefully examines the X-rays to identify deep tooth decay, wisdom teeth eruption, or any other concerns with the gums or surrounding tissues. Typically, X-rays are suggested at least once or twice a year during your routine dental exams or cleanings in Lancaster, PA. Patients who are pregnant should let a member of our dental team know prior to having x-rays taken so that special precautions can be taken.

Early Cavity Detection

As one of the most common dental issues, cavities can lead to the need for a root canal if not taken care of in a timely manner. During your dental exam at our innovative Lancaster, PA facility, one of our experienced dentists will carefully examine your teeth to determine any areas of decay or damage. In some cases, state-of-the-art technology can be utilized for more efficient cavity detection. If a cavity is identified, your dental professional may recommend tooth-colored fillings to protect your tooth from further decay or damage.

Oral-Cancer Screening

Also performed in your dental exam, an oral-cancer screening allows your dental professional to detect areas of precancerous or cancerous tissue. Initially, a physical examination is performed to get a look at your gum tissues, tongue, and roof of your mouth. If needed, additional tests may be conducted to evaluate the health of those areas. A biopsy may be required to test any abnormalities and identify if cancer cells may be present. When necessary, our experienced dental team will create a treatment plan to help restore oral health.

The Importance Of A Dental Exam

In order to maintain the overall health and appearance, dental exams should be routinely attended at least once or twice a year. Not only can a dental exam preserve your oral health, but it can also help to save you money on future dental treatments. When an issue is treated early on, it can reduce the risk of the need for expensive procedures later on. Our team at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA is proud to offer comprehensive dental exams for our patients of all ages. Contact our state-of-the-art facility to learn more and to schedule your initial dental examination with our skilled dental team.