Dental Exams in Medford: Everything You Need to Know
Dental exams in Medford are an important part of maintaining overall oral health. At Summit Family Dental Care, we take dental exams seriously and provide thorough, professional care to ensure your teeth, gums, and mouth are in top shape. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re due for a routine check-up, knowing what to expect can make the experience easier and more comfortable.
Dr. Nicole Keck-Erickson, Dr. Ian Erickson, and Dr. Trent Kaiser are committed to providing the highest dental care. You can trust that each exam is thorough and personalized.
What Happens During Dental Exams in Medford
Dental exams in Medford are comprehensive and usually consist of several key components. Let’s break down the process so you know what to expect during your next visit.
Visual Examination: What We Look For
During a dental exam, one of the first things the dentist will do is visually inspect your mouth. Here’s what we focus on:
- Teeth: We check for cavities, chips, and signs of decay or damage.
- Gums: We’ll examine your gums for signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding.
- Oral Cancer Screening: We look for unusual lumps, bumps, or sores in the mouth, tongue, cheeks, and throat.
- Bite and Jaw: We assess how your teeth come together and look for bite issues or jaw pain.
X-Rays: Hidden Issues We Can Detect
X-rays are a helpful tool to spot any issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. These include:
- Cavities between teeth that we might be unable to see during a regular visual exam.
- Bone loss could indicate gum disease or other oral health problems.
- Impacted teeth that might require special treatment.
We usually take your X-rays once a year or whenever we feel they’re needed based on your dental history and risk factors.
Assessment of Dental Health Risks: Tailored Care
During your exam, we also discuss your dental habits and overall health, including:
- Reviewing oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing.
- Discussing dietary choices that could affect your teeth, such as sugary foods and drinks.
- Talking about lifestyle factors like smoking, which can lead to gum disease or staining.
We may also recommend preventive treatments, such as fluoride or dental sealants, to keep your teeth in good condition.
Follow-Up or Treatment Plan: Next Steps
If we find any issues during your exam, we’ll discuss the next steps, including anything from a simple cleaning to treatments like fillings, crowns, or other specialized care.
Dental Exams Benefit the Whole Family
Children: Starting Early Sets Them Up for Success
Children’s teeth develop quickly, and regular exams ensure everything is progressing as it should. These exams help spot cavities early, monitor tooth development, and identify issues affecting adult teeth later.
Teens: Maintaining Healthy Smiles During Growth
Teenagers experience changes in their mouths, and dental exams help ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy during this time. We’ll monitor wisdom tooth growth and look for orthodontic needs.
Adults: Prevention Is Key
For adults, dental exams prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Regular visits help catch problems early, making treatments easier and less expensive.
Seniors: Keep Your Smile Healthy in Later Years
Seniors may face unique oral health challenges like gum disease or dry mouth. Regular exams help address these issues and ensure your teeth stay strong and functional for years.
Check Out Our Comprehensive Services
We offer various services to help you maintain and enhance your oral health. If you want a smile that shines, our cosmetic dentistry services are perfect, including veneers, bonding, and more. Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health, and our in-office teeth whitening treatments can brighten your smile. We also offer a membership plan to help you save on dental exams and other treatments.
Contact Us Today!
Don’t wait until something hurts—schedule your dental exams in Medford today. Contact us today for an appointment at Summit Family Dental Care in Medford, Oregon. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile!