Park Place Dental Group
Dentistry & Cosmetic and Restorative
Dentistry located in Arts Section, Newark, NJ
Comprehensive exams are a vital component of a healthy smile, helping to identify and treat dental conditions before they become a larger concern. If you’re due for a checkup, schedule an appointment with Park Place Dental Group today. The team offers excellent comprehensive exams from their beautiful and modern office in Newark, New Jersey. You can book your visit by phone.
Comprehensive Examinations Q & A
What Are Comprehensive Examinations?
Comprehensive examinations are assessments of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues performed by your dentist to ensure your mouth is healthy. The team of dental professionals at Park Place Dental Group is highly skilled in evaluating your oral health and diagnosing any potential dental conditions.
Why Do I Need Comprehensive Examinations?
It's difficult to see inside your own mouth, and without the proper training and expertise, you might not be able to recognize potential threats to your oral health. Your dentist not only has a better view inside your oral cavity but also is a trained professional who knows what to look for.
Many potentially serious dental conditions, like tooth decay and gum disease, don’t present noticeable signs at first. These conditions can develop silently, not causing any symptoms until they’ve reached their more advanced stages of development. Your dentist can detect these problems in their earlier stages when treating them is less costly and invasive.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Examination?
During your exam, your dentist visually assesses the health of your oral tissues, including your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth. The team makes sure to look carefully for any signs of:
- Tooth decay
- Damage to your teeth
- Gum disease
- Lesions
- Spots
- Swelling
- Growths
Your dentist might also use a special tool called an explorer to probe your teeth for cavities and will check to see that your occlusion (bite) is healthy. Depending on how long it's been since your last exam, the team might order X-rays to get a closer look at your oral structures.
A comprehensive exam also includes an examination of your head and neck. Your dentist feels around for any signs of swelling or tenderness, particularly in your lymph nodes and salivary glands. They also examine the joint that connects your jaw to your skull (temporomandibular joint).
How Often Do I Need To Get a Comprehensive Examination?
The frequency of your exams depends on the state of your oral health, but a general rule is to have one every six months.
If you're currently experiencing a condition (like gum disease) or are particularly prone to developing problems (like tooth decay) your dentist might recommend more frequent exams.
The team at Park Place Dental Group is happy to work with you to determine an exam schedule best suited to your particular needs. To learn more, schedule a visit today by calling Park Place Dental Group.