What Can I Expect at My First Dental Exam and Cleaning?
Arranging your initial visit to the dentist might feel daunting, yet understanding the process can alleviate worries. On your first visit to our family dentist near you, we focus on getting to know you, checking the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums, and thoroughly cleaning your teeth. Read on to learn more about what happens during a typical first dental exam and cleaning in Knoxville.
What will the dentist look for during the exam?
The exam portion of your first visit focuses on evaluating your oral health. Your trusted dentist in Knoxville will ask about your medical history and any medications you take. Be sure to mention any conditions or medicines impacting your oral health.
Next, we’ll perform an oral cancer screening, checking your face, neck, lips, and entire mouth for any suspicious spots or growths. Evaluations for oral cancer are routinely included in dental assessments.
We’ll also check your mouth, teeth, and gums for signs of decay, infection, gum disease, and other issues. Using a small mirror, we’ll look at all surfaces of your teeth and gums. We’ll check for cavities, cracked teeth, loose teeth, worn enamel, gum inflammation, and more. Let us know if you have any pain or sensitivity anywhere.
Checking for plaque, tartar, and gum health is also important. Plaque, a clingy bacterial layer on teeth, becomes tartar when it hardens. These issues can lead to dental decay and gum conditions. We may use a periodontal probe to check for tartar buildup along your gumline and gauge your gums’ health.
Will X-rays be taken of my teeth?
X-rays are often needed at a first visit to see below the surfaces of your teeth. We can check for cavities between teeth, look at tooth roots and bone health, and see the position of wisdom teeth. Bite-wing X-rays, panoramic X-rays, or both types may be taken.
X-rays involve very low radiation levels, and our office takes precautions to minimize exposure. A leaded apron and thyroid collar help protect the rest of your body. We only take X-rays when necessary to diagnose and treat issues.
What happens during a regular cleaning?
Following the examination, you’ll undergo a thorough dental cleanse to clear away plaque, tartar, and any stains on the tooth surface. Our hygienists use specialized tools to clean above and below the gumline thoroughly.
We use an ultrasonic scaler to break up tartar and lift away built-up plaque. This scaler vibrates to loosen deposits without harming teeth. We may also use hand tools or a polishing cup with the scaler.
Subsequently, a coarse paste known as prophy paste will be used to buff your teeth. This removes stains from tooth surfaces, leaving them brighter. A flossing tool is used to clean between teeth. Fluoride treatment can be applied to strengthen enamel.
Your gums may also be gently scraped to remove bacteria and deposits that collect along the gumline. This is called curettage. It’s normal for your gums to feel a bit sensitive after cleaning. Excellent oral hygiene between visits helps keep gum irritation minimal.
Could the dentist find cavities or other issues?
It’s possible cavities or other problems could be discovered during initial X-rays and your exam. If any issues are found, we will discuss recommended treatment options. Treating small problems early on leads to better outcomes.
Depending on the severity of the decay, we may recommend fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions; gum disease may need deep cleanings and prescription antimicrobials. Oral health improves dramatically with prompt treatment.
Issues such as absent teeth or misaligned bites could necessitate intricate solutions, including implants for teeth, corrective alignments, or protective nightguards. Have confidence knowing our office will explain all your options. We want you to smile brightly!
How long will my first visit and cleaning take?
Plan for your first dental visit to take 45-90 minutes from start to finish. The length of the exam and cleaning depends on your oral health status. More time is needed if X-rays must be taken or if tartar and plaque buildup is significant.
Waiting periods between segments allow the local dentist near you to assess findings and the hygienist to prepare tools. We want each patient to receive the time and attention they deserve.
Follow our tips to make the most of your first dental visit:
- Arrive early to complete the paperwork
- Bring a list of medications and supplements
- Ask any questions you have about treatments
- Let us know if you have anxiety about any procedures
- Schedule recommended follow-up visits and cleanings
At Knoxville Dental Associates, your smile’s health is our top priority. We look forward to providing you with thorough dental care in a comfortable setting. Call us to schedule your first exam and cleaning in Knoxville, IA!