A dental exam is a professional check-up of your teeth, gums, and mouth to detect problems like cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Regular dental exams help prevent serious dental problems and keep your teeth healthy and your smile looking great. Many Northglenn families trust Northglenn Dental for thorough, expert dental exams.
During a dental exam, the dentist can thoroughly evaluate your teeth and gums in order to:
– Detect early signs of disease and complications
– Assess the effectiveness of bridgework and other procedures
– Prescribe treatments and solutions if a problem is detected
During your initial visit to our office in Northglenn, the dentist will perform a comprehensive exam on your teeth and gums. During your regular check-ups, the dentist and hygienist will perform the following dental exams:
Oral Cancer Screening: Cancers of the mouth can have a major impact on how you eat, speak and breathe, so the dentist checks the lips, tongue, throat and skin of the face and neck for signs of cancer.
Evaluation of Gum Disease: Gum disease can develop and progress, even if there are no signs or symptoms. To prevent further damage, the dentist will check the bone and gums for disease.
Evaluation of Diagnostic X-rays: Not all damage to the teeth occurs on the surface. During dental exams, the dentist will order radiographs, or X-rays, to detect decay, bone loss, and disease. X-rays also determine root and tooth position and can indicate if other procedures are needed to align them.
Evaluation of Tooth Decay: Decaying teeth left untreated can lead to pain, infection and eventual tooth loss. Out dentist will examine each tooth and its surfaces with specialized instruments to identify tooth decay and determine the proper course of treatment.
Evaluation of Current Restorations: Even restored teeth aren’t safe from disease and decay. The dentist will check fillings, crowns and other dental work for signs of breakdown and recurrent decay.
Dental exams play a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Don’t settle for just any dentist, trust your smile to the experts at Northglenn Dental for high quality care!
For more information on dental exams, read our blog on All About Dental X-Rays.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.
Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.
People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension.
Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.
The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth.
While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.
If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:
These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.
Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.
We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
As a top dentist in Northglenn, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.