Dental Exam
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Nancy Trinh DDS
General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in San Jose, CA
If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy and problem-free, it’s important to undergo a dental exam at least twice a year. Routine check-ups can catch potentially serious health problems early on before they can progress and cause more severe issues. At Trinh Dental in San Jose, California, Nancy Trinh, DDS, Tracy Trinh, DDS, and the team provide dental exams to adults and children, and they welcome families to the practice. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Dental Exam Q&A
What is a dental exam?
A dental exam is a preventive measure used to check-in on your oral health. Many common oral health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, present few obvious symptoms. Therefore, you might be vulnerable and not realize it.
Getting a dental exam is a quick and convenient way to keep your smile in great shape. It also presents an opportunity to ask your dentist questions or to discuss potential concerns.
What happens during a dental exam?
At Trinh Dental, a dental exam features several components:
Review of oral health history
If you’re a new patient, the team at Trinh Dental reviews your oral health history. This provides insight into the current condition of your mouth and alerts them to any problems you’ve experienced in the past.
During your consultation, let the team know about any prescription medications, vitamins, or supplements you take regularly. Also, let them know about any chronic conditions you have, like diabetes or heart disease, as they can directly affect your oral health.
Oral assessment
During an oral exam, your dentist uses a circular handheld mirror to observe your teeth and gums. They look for signs of potential problems, like plaque and tartar build-up, gum inflammation, and oral abscesses.
Digital X-rays
Following an oral exam, the team takes a series of digital X-rays. Digital X-rays can alert you to potential problems not visible to the naked eye.
Digital X-rays use very low doses of radiation to capture detailed images of your tooth roots, jaws, and alveolar bone. The information gathered can help guide treatment and make diagnoses.
Teeth cleaning
During professional teeth cleanings, your dentist carefully removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and from beneath your gum line. Afterward, they polish your teeth with a gritty toothpaste and floss your teeth.
If you have a history of tooth decay, they can also apply a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that protects your tooth enamel from the acids produced by plaque.
How often do I need to schedule a dental exam?
The team at Trinh Dental recommends you schedule a dental exam appointment every six months. This applies even if your teeth and gums feel relatively healthy. Regular check-ups and exams can protect your smile for years to come, significantly lowering your risk of cavities, gum recession, bone loss, or tooth loss.
To schedule a dental exam at Trinh Dental, call the office or book online today.
