Our general dentistry procedures are meant to uncover problems in the earliest stages, so you can avoid them entirely or receive treatment before they threaten the stability of your smile or your overall health. When you undergo a routine general checkup, we will screen your smile for serious issues, such as gum disease and even oral cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screenings
Question: When should you have an exam?
Answer: You need to see the dentist every six months for a checkup (and a dental cleaning as well!). A checkup twice a year improves the chances of our team finding problems in the earliest stages, treating them before they can progress into issues threatening the health and stability of your smile.
Question: Do you screen for periodontal disease?
Answer: We do! We will look for periodontal pockets deeper than three millimeters and other signs of inflammation. If we uncover gingivitis, we can reverse the issue with treatment, such as a scaling and root planing. Should we uncover gum disease, we can help manage the disease with periodontal therapy to prevent the onset of periodontitis, the advanced stage responsible for adult tooth loss.
Question: Will you perform an oral cancer screening?
Answer: We will. Each year, we provide our patients with an oral cancer screening, looking for the possible warning signs of this serious disease. Most people succumb to the disease within five years of diagnosis simply because it wasn’t caught until the later stages. A routine screening can help increase the chances of a full recovery.
Question: What other issues will you look for?
Answer: We will also look for signs of infection, tooth decay, TMJ disorder, and bruxism (teeth grinding).
To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.