Comprehensive Dental Exams

Midtown Dental Care Associates offers comprehensive dental exams in New York City. Call 212.685.4730 to ask about our practice and schedule an appointment.

A comprehensive dental exam goes beyond the quick exam you would typically receive. A comprehensive exam helps the dentist set a baseline for oral and overall health.

The dentist assesses the health of your gums, teeth, cheeks, tongue, throat, and face. They document their results so they can easily use them to compare notes for the next exam.

Dental exams should be part of your regular health routine. Your dentist will assess your dental health and overall health for their records. 

Following is the basic outline of such an exam:

First, the dentist asks questions about your medical history, including all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. The dentist asks about allergies, surgeries, hospitalizations, and other notable medical events.

The dentist will want to know whether you have had any adverse reactions to anesthesia. Ideally, the patient will be honest with the dentist about their drinking and smoking habits since these activities could lead to oral cancer.

The exam allows the dentist to gain clues about your oral health and how you could improve it. The dentist checks every area of your mouth, including your lips, throat, cheeks, gums, teeth, and jawbone structure. 

The dentist checks your teeth for an uneven bite. An uneven bite could stress certain teeth, which may crack or break under extra pressure. Adult orthodontic services like Invisalign are available to help.

Oral or mouth cancer can be deadly, and often it is not detected until the later stages. Early detection is vital for saving lives.

Dentists receive advanced training to spot the signs of mouth cancer, giving their patients a chance to prolong their lives.

A set of X-rays or radiographs determines the current state of the patient’s teeth. Today’s X-rays use a fraction of the radiation given off in the past since digital systems are more sensitive.

The dentist examines the X-rays to see whether there is additional decay or damage. They also check on all existing dental restorations like crowns and fillings.

Dentists check patients’ jaws and around their teeth for signs of bone loss. Bone loss could lead to tooth loss. Signs of bone loss include receding gum lines, a sunken appearance, and loose teeth.

Finally, the dentist ensures no signs of recent damage or new decay. Cracked, broken, and decayed teeth can cause further problems and lead to tooth loss.

The dentist may notice that a patient has not cared for their teeth properly at home. They will then provide instructions on brushing and flossing to prevent future problems.

This procedure involves measuring the pockets between the teeth and gums. The dentist or hygienist then checks for signs of gum or periodontal disease.

Suppose the patient has deep pockets and plaque and tartar buildup. In that case, it may be time to move forward with periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing.

The dentist often follows the comprehensive exam with routine cleaning, but these are separate procedures.

Comprehensive dental exams have many benefits, including:

• Checking for Oral Cancer
• Assessing Emerging Problems
• Letting Your Dentist Understand Your Overall Health

Everyone should get comprehensive dental exams, from infants to the elderly. It is a vital way for your dentist to keep track of your oral health.

People with periodontal disease must keep up with their exam schedule. When not correctly looked after, this condition escalates quickly.

Midtown Dental Care Associates maintains a caring and patient-centered office. We strive to make timely appointments and meet our patients’ needs. Our office is convenient for patients from across New York City. 

We offer a broad range of dental services, including preventive, general, restorative, and cosmetic care. We offer same-day crowns that save patients time and trouble. We also perform root canals and wisdom tooth extraction in-house.

Depending on the state of your dental health, your dental professional will offer the procedure once or twice a year. They may examine you more often if you are in poor dental health or have suspected cancer.

Scientists believe that poor oral health in the form of gum disease can cause problems like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Gum disease leads to higher inflammation levels in the body, which could cause damage.

Yes, it is considered a preventive service. When you receive a comprehensive oral exam, your dentist may be able to catch problems early and treat them before they become severe.

Ensure you and your children brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. Floss at least once a day. A fluoride mouth rinse for patients over the age of six is optional.

Don’t put off dental care that could improve your daily life. Attend all of your scheduled dental appointments for cleanings and exams. The time to handle a dental problem is not when it begins to cause severe pain but when it first occurs.

Midtown Dental Care Associates provides essential services to keep your smile healthy and attractive. Our compassionate staff will help you get started.

Call us at 212.685.4730 to make an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam and begin your journey toward better oral health.