Dentist Specialist
Dentist Q & A
What does a dentist do?
According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 40 percent of adults and 20 percent of children do not regularly see a dentist. With large gaps in routine exams and cleanings, it’s easy to see why so many people question what a dentist does and how visiting more often can improve their overall health.
In addition to routine cleanings, dental exams, and good oral hygiene tips, your dentist can ensure that your teeth remain intact and keep other oral health conditions at bay. In some cases, a routine visit to your dentist can even save your life.
What happens during a routine dental exam?
During a routine visit, your dentist will perform a deep cleaning and examine your teeth for any cavities in need of fillings and detect decay that may affect your oral health. After detecting tooth decay, your dentist will likely perform the following evaluations:
Pocket measurements
To prevent or monitor the symptoms of gum disease, your dentist must examine any pockets surrounding your teeth with a periodontal probe. These measurements let your dentist know if any of your gum tissue, surrounding bone, or teeth have decayed or been lost due to gum disease.
Bite assessment
Any irregularities in your bite can lead to further health problems such as tooth decay, TMJ, and teeth grinding. To prevent future decay and discomfort, your dentist will evaluate your bite and determine whether you need an assistive device like a dental appliance or even braces.
My teeth seem fine. Why do I still have to see a dentist?
It’s easy to think that you only have to see a dentist if your teeth are noticeably decayed, damaged, or missing. As we get older, we slip into the habit of putting off our routine checkups and cleanings. But without proper evaluations and cleanings, poor oral hygiene can have an impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
Oral cancer screenings
Oral cancer is highly treatable in its early stages, but many of its most common symptoms — mouth sores, bleeding gums, sore throat — are often mistaken for less serious conditions until the cancer has spread. A routine oral cancer screening at The Diablo Dental Group can help detect any abnormalities before it gets to that point.
Gum disease
Unfortunately, gum disease is a condition that is often ignored by patients until it can no longer be treated with noninvasive measures, such as a deep cleaning, which is why it’s important to seek help right away if you begin experiencing gum inflammation, bleeding gums, or gum recession. When left untreated, gum disease has been linked to tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
The Diablo Dental Group is committed to providing you with the best oral health possible. For more information on the dental services they offer, call or book an appointment online today.