Dental Exams & X-rays in Melbourne & Palm Bay, FL
Regular dental exams are important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Additionally, they can help to avoid the financial costs associated undiagnosed, neglected, or postponed dental issues. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends twice yearly checkups for people of all ages. At this frequency, most problems can be caught while they remain in an early stage.
How it's done
We first examine your mouth visually, using dental equipment such as mouth mirrors, dental picks, and high intensity lights. They will look for cracked and decayed teeth, as well as review other important items such as:
- Medical history review: New medical conditions or illnesses may affect your dental health.
- Examination of tooth decay: Your mouth will be checked for cracked, broken, or decayed teeth.
- Oral cancer screening: The face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums will be checked for any signs of oral cancer, tumors, or cysts.
- Gum disease evaluation: Your gums and bone around the teeth will be checked for any evidence of periodontal disease.
- Examination of existing restorations: Current fillings, crowns, and other restorations are checked for wear, leakage, or deterioration.
Diagnostic x-rays are needed occasionally to reveal any other hidden problems, especially in the areas below the gums. Bitewing x-rays are typically taken every 12 months and a full mouth radiographic evaluation is typically at 5 year intervals.
