During the complete oral exam (COE) your dentist will make a full assessment of your overall and oral health.
While examining you, the dentist will look for:
- Damaged and missing teeth
- Early signs of cavities
- Your gum condition
- Dental treatments previously done
- Early signs of oral cancer
- The position of your teeth (e.g., spacing, bite)
- The health and function of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
A check of your neck area to feel the glands and lymph nodes for possible signs of inflammation will also be part of your dental exam.
After that, they will take some dental x-rays and diagnostic pictures.
The dental x-rays will help the dentist to detect cavities under existing fillings, teeth fracture, impacted wisdom teeth, and bone loss.
The dentist should also review your medical history. He or she must be aware of any medical condition you have, and any medications you are taking.
If you are a smoker or consume alcohol frequently, the risk of certain types of oral cancer is higher.
You should also inform your dentist if you are pregnant. Some procedures can wait to be done after your baby is born. They may recommend more frequent professional cleanings during your second or early third trimester to help reduce the chance of developing gingivitis, very common due to increased hormone levels.
Are you nervous to go to the dentist? Do you have dental anxiety? Talk to your dentist about it. There are so many different ways and technologies to help you feel more relaxed in the dental chair.
With all these information in hands, the dentist will be able to create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and expectations.
Your dentist should also be there to answer your questions. If there’s something you don’t understand about the exam, diagnosis or treatment plan, be sure to ask them about it.
Booking your dental exam at Iris Dentistry, your dentist in Waterloo, we guarantee you will get all that and much more. Our friendly dental team will make sure you feel comfortable and special at every single visit.
Request your appointment online or call us at (519) 886-8980 to schedule your dental exam at Iris Dentistry, in Waterloo.