What Happens if You Don't Get a Dental Exam on a Regular Basis?

Dental exams are a vital part of keeping your oral and dental health in the best possible condition. However, many people wonder if they are necessary and what would happen if you stopped getting dental exams. Our expert team can help you learn the important parts of dental exams and how often you should be getting them. Schedule a consultation with LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA today.

What are dental exams?

Dental exams are appointments, typically done twice a year, to help determine the overall health and wellness of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Many important tests and examinations are done during a dental exam. By getting dental exams, you can help prevent diseases, catch dental issues early, and even have oral cancer screenings. By skipping out on these important exams, you are risking letting disease and infection run rampant in your mouth without getting checked out.

What happens during a dental exam?

The first part of your appointment will include going over your dental and medical histories, prescriptions, and any concerns or questions you may have. This helps to give our dentists a good overview of your past history and anything that might currently be going on. During dental exams, our experienced dentists will perform multiple tests and examinations to ensure that your teeth, mouth, gums, and jaw are all in good condition. Some of the most commonly checked things include:

• Oral cancer screenings
• Tooth decay
• Periodontal disease
• What your bite looks like
• Temporomandibular joints health and function

To assess the health of these things, our team may take digital x-rays to help look at hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, such as under your gums and jawbone, and even between your teeth.

What should I know about dental exams?

After your dental exam, you will be told if you need any additional treatments or if you are good to continue dental exams twice a year like normal. If it turns out that you do need additional treatment, our dentists will come up with a detailed treatment plan and determine the best possible ways to treat your dental problems. It is recommended that after your exam, you continue to follow an oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash daily. Dental exams should not cause significant discomfort, but you may have slightly sore areas after the appointment. A typical dental exam takes between half an hour and an hour. However, if there are significant changes to your oral health, it may take longer to finish. It is best to avoid food and drinks for about an hour before your appointment.

Get a dental exam in Lancaster, PA

Dental exams are vital to ensure that your oral and dental health is in the best possible condition. If you do not attend these appointments, then you risk not catching serious diseases and infections before they become more serious. Attending dental exams twice a year is a great way to keep track of the health of your teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Our talented team can help you find the best routine possible to keep your teeth healthy. Contact LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA today for a full consultation on the overall state of your oral and dental health.