Dental Exams Specialist
Family Dentistry of West Chester
General Dentist & Family Dentist located in West Chester, PA
Attending routine dental exams is one of the easiest ways to preserve your teeth and gums for life. That’s because many potentially serious issues, including cavities and gum disease, don’t always present obvious symptoms. At Family Dentistry of West Chester, general dentist Ruchi Trambadia, DMD, and the team provide complete dental exams to people of all ages. To make an appointment, call the office in West Chester, Pennsylvania, or schedule online today.
Dental Exams Q&A
What are dental exams?
A dental exam assesses the health of your teeth, gums, and tongue. Regular checkups at Family Dentistry of West Chester can reduce the risk of potential issues, ensuring your smile remains vibrant and healthy.
It’s important to participate in dental exams even if your teeth and gums feel fine. Mouth-related medical issues don’t always present obvious symptoms. As a result, you might be at risk but not realize it. Regular exams can catch conditions in their early stages of development, preventing them from getting worse.
What happens during dental exams?
At Family Dentistry of West Chester, dental exams include the following steps:
Step 1 - Oral exam
At the beginning of the visit, your provider uses a small handheld mirror to examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks. They carefully observe each area of your mouth, looking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or abnormal growths. If your provider finds anything unusual, they might use a gloved hand to gently press on it or take a biopsy.
Step 2 - Professional teeth cleaning
Next, your provider cleans your teeth. They use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from around your teeth and beneath your gums. Then, they floss your teeth and polish them with gritty toothpaste. If you regularly experience tooth decay, your provider might also recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel.
Step 3 - Oral X-rays
After cleaning your teeth, your provider takes a series of oral X-rays. X-rays capture detailed images of your tooth roots and jaw. They make it easy to detect underlying issues, like cavities, bone loss, or a misaligned jaw.
Step 4 - Recommendations for treatment
At the end of your dental exam, your provider at Family Dentistry of West Chester makes recommendations for treatment. If your teeth and gums are healthy, keep up the great work by brushing and flossing daily. If you have a cavity, your provider might recommend a crown.
How often should I schedule a dental exam?
The team at Family Dentistry of West Chester recommends you schedule a dental exam at least twice a year. If you have a history of gum disease or tooth loss, more frequent checkups might be necessary. After an oral exam and X-rays, your provider can recommend a schedule that aligns with your needs.
If it’s been more than a year since your last dental exam, make an appointment at Family Dentistry of West Chester by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.