Growing up, you may have experienced your parents or guardians frequently reminding you to brush your teeth before bed. However, you may not have experienced this at all. Regardless of your upbringing, we all have heard those three words from the media, “brush your teeth.” However, brushing your teeth is not the only thing you need to do to maintain your smile. By going to the dentist for bi-annual dental exams, you can ensure the health of your smile and prevent oral health problems like decay and tooth loss. Fortunately, visiting the dentist for a dental exam has never been more straightforward with Dr. Maryanne Butler and Dr. Amy Riffel and their two locations, Mountainview Periodontics & Dental Implants in Parker, Colorado, and Periodontics of Cherry Creek in Glendale, Colorado.
What are Dental Exams?
A dental exam is a comprehensive checkup performed by a dentist to evaluate the overall oral health of an individual. During a dental exam, a dentist completes an extraoral (outside the mouth) and intraoral (inside the mouth) exam. The extraoral exam looks for any abnormality in your jaw joint, swollen lymph nodes, or other possible concerns. The intraoral exam evaluates your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth to check for any signs of gum disease, cavities (tooth decay), or oral cancer. X-rays are often taken as part of the appointment to look for problems that are not visible when examining your mouth.
Benefits of Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are beneficial for good oral health and overall well-being. Some of the most significant benefits of regular dental exams include:
- Early detection of tooth decay and gum disease: With early detection of tooth decay and gum disease, Dr. Butler and Dr. Riffel can help provide and recommend treatments to help restore your smile and maintain your natural smile.
- Detection of Less Common Oral Health Problems: From oral cancer to diabetes, our excellent dentists are here to provide identification of any oral health issues.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: At your dental exam with Dr. Butler or Dr. Riffel, you may receive a dental cleaning as well. With our dentists helping to manage your oral health, l will become more keen to take care of your oral hygiene and maintain your beautiful smile.
- Tooth Loss Prevention: Avoiding the loss of your teeth is something many strive for. Losing a tooth is not only traumatizing but can also cause embarrassment and functionality issues. With dental exams, we can help you maintain your smile and prevent you from losing your teeth by catching any oral health issues in time for proper prevention.
What to Expect During a Dental Exam
During a typical dental exam, Dr. Butler or Dr. Riffel will examine your teeth and gums. After the examination, we may take X-rays to check the teeth and bone around the teeth for problems, as well as check for any jaw or bite problems. If there are signs of gum disease (or gingivitis), we may recommend additional periodontal treatment for gum disease. We will also ask if you have a history of teeth grinding or clenching to inspect to ensure everything with your jaw and bite is stable. An unstable bite can contribute to jaw pain, gum recession, bone loss, and fractured/cracked teeth.
How to Prepare for a Dental Exam
To get the most out of your dental exam, we strongly encourage you to continue to brush and floss your teeth daily to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and strong. You should also avoid eating before the exam, as we will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. Another good idea to help prepare for a dental exam is to compile a list of possible oral health concerns or questions you may have since your last dental exam.
Dental Exams in Parker and Glendale, CO
Dr. Maryanne Butler and Dr. Amy Riffel strongly believe in ensuring the best care for each of their patients. From the convenience of having two dental offices to providing services to strengthen your teeth and gums, you can know you are in good shape during your dental exams at our offices in Parker and Glendale, Colorado. By visiting our dentists for regular checkups, you can prevent severe oral health issues from developing and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile! Please don’t wait until it’s too late, and book your next dental exam today!
Schedule a dental exam appointment today at Periodontics of Cherry Creek in Glendale, Colorado, or Mountainview Periodontics and Dental Implants in Parker, Colorado!
