What is a dental exam?
A dental exam is a preventive checkup that diagnoses and treats oral health problems. It’s a quick outpatient procedure that can detect potentially serious issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral abscesses.
In addition, a dental exam presents an opportunity to ask questions, discuss unusual symptoms, and build a relationship with Dr. Koch. These activities help ensure a healthy, vibrant smile for years to come.
What does a dental exam involve?
At Advanced Dental Care of East Texas, no two dental exams are exactly alike. Dr. Koch tailors the appointment based on your age, symptoms, and dental health history. Some of the procedures offered include:
Digital oral X-rays
Digital oral X-rays provide high-quality photos of your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone. They allow Dr. Koch to detect oral health problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. They’re also used in planning surgery and guiding dental implant placement.
Teeth cleaning
A professional teeth cleaning prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar. During teeth cleaning, Dr. Koch removes plaque from beneath your gum line, polishes your teeth with gritty toothpaste, and applies a fluoride treatment.
Extractions
If you develop a deep cavity or severely damage a tooth, Dr. Koch might recommend an extraction. The quick, outpatient procedure removes one (or multiple) teeth in an effort to preserve your oral health.
Fillings
Fillings are a type of dental restoration that repairs damaged tooth enamel. Dr. Koch offers tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of tooth enamel. That allows them to blend in with your smile.
Molar root canal
If you get hit in the mouth or develop a deep cavity, Dr. Koch might recommend a molar root canal. During a root canal, he removes the soft center of your tooth, called the pulp. Removing the pulp limits pain and prevents the need for an extraction.
Oral cancer screening with a microscope
Dr. Koch has a variety of advanced dental technology on-site, including an oral microscope. He uses the device to detect oral cancer in its early stages. Oral cancer screening is painless and can provide peace of mind.
Dental restorations
If you chip, crack, or otherwise damage a tooth, Dr. Koch might recommend a dental restoration like a crown. There’s a CEREC milling machine on-site, which allows Dr. Koch to create custom restorations in a single appointment.
How often should I schedule a dental exam?
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s important to schedule a dental exam at least twice a year. That rule applies even if you don’t experience any unusual symptoms. Routine checkups can alert you to potentially serious problems early on when they’re most responsive to treatment.
Don’t wait to schedule a dental exam appointment at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas. Call to speak with an administrative staff member or click the online booking tool.
