Why are dental exams essential?
If you get something caught early, then it’s going to be less expensive, less invasive, and much easier to tolerate. Maintaining what you have is probably best for you and for us.
What's included in a dental exam?
We include digital dental x-rays and a wellness scan, which is a 3D video scan of your teeth, in our dental examination. This way, it's easy for you to see what we see as well. It's not just the doctor that can look at your teeth; there are different angles that you can see your teeth from that you normally wouldn't. Even though you can look in a mirror, for example, there is a view that you can look from the inside of your mouth out. There's no way to do that unless you can take your eyes and put them in your mouth, which nobody will do. So there are different angles and tools that we use to diagnose. During that first examination, we can see if you have cancer, assess your bite, determine if it's damaging to you, and check for gum disease. All these questions would be answered in that examination.
What is a dentist looking for during the dental examination?
We’re looking for what is normal and what deviates from normal. If something needs to be addressed, we diagnose it and help you decide how to fix it, as there are different options available to you.
What kind of recommendation can come from the dental exam?
The dentist might recommend regular maintenance cleanings if nothing else is needed.
Other recommendations may include a biopsy if something abnormal is found, a filling if there's a cavity, or dental sealants to prevent cavity formation if you’re prone to cavities. How often you should have cleanings done is also determined during that visit. If there is significant decay, a tooth may need to be extracted and replaced, or a root canal might be necessary. Depending on the findings, the dentist will provide the appropriate treatment recommendations.
How long does a full dental exam take?
It depends on whether it is paired with a dental cleaning or not. If paired with a dental cleaning, it would take about an hour to an hour and a half. If it's just an examination, it would take about 40 minutes because you still need to have your X-rays and wellness scan done, after which the dentist will diagnose and discuss the results with you.
Are dental exams painful?
Many people are scared that dental exams will be painful or expensive. The truth is, it’s the most inexpensive service that any dentist would provide and it is the least painful and uncomfortable. All that happens is someone looks in your mouth, and sometimes you can even look at the scan with them. The X-ray is a bit uncomfortable, but not really painful.
How can I schedule a dental exam at Steinway Family Dental Center?
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (929) 238-9944 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.