Dental Exam Cromwell, CT

When it comes to your health, it's crucial to be proactive and to listen to your body when you sense that something is off. The same can be said for your oral health as well. If you notice any unexplained bleeding, swelling, or pain, you should have these issues checked out, diagnosed, and treated before they can become larger issues later on. This is why it's important to schedule dental examinations for you and your family every year. While teeth are superficially examined during a cleaning, an exam allows our team to conduct a much more in-depth assessment of your teeth, gums, jaw, and how they function together. During dental examinations at Preferred Dental of Cromwell, we will evaluate your general and oral health by checking for tooth decay, signs of oral cancer, and other diseases. Our skilled team of dentists will determine your need for treatments and check your bite and jaw for any issues that may exist. A series of x-rays will also be taken so we can gain a better insight into the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you live in or near Cromwell, CT, schedule an annual dental examination for yourself and your family at Preferred Dental of Cromwell.

Oral cancer includes any abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, including the gums, jawbone, lips, tongue, throat, and salivary glands. Every dental exam at Preferred Dental of Cromwell includes an oral cancer screening to look for early signs, including sores, inflammation, lumps, and lesions. We will also palpate the throat and jaw for abnormalities. If any areas of concern are found, a biopsy may be performed or you will be referred to a specialist for further care.

Cromwell, CT patients of all ages should receive one in-depth dental exam every year. Many frequently occurring dental issues, like gum disease (the most common cause of tooth loss), often don’t have symptoms you can notice on your own. If you have an oral condition diagnosed in the earlier stages, you will have many more options for treatment and may not have to resort to more extensive measures to repair your dental health.

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that all children should go to the dentist before their first birthday. We can help parents navigate through issues, such as teething, baby bottle tooth decay, and pacifier reliance. Our team at Preferred Dental of Cromwell can help you understand how to care for and clean your baby's mouth so they can start to develop healthy habits early in life. If followed consistently, these healthy routines will help them throughout their life and make dental issues less likely to arise. Dental exams are also important for children as they grow older and their mouth develops.

Your appointment will begin with an overall evaluation of your teeth, gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, inside your cheeks, throat, and other oral checkpoints. This includes looking for signs of oral cancer throughout your mouth. A member of our staff will take x-rays and screen for abnormal tissue in the gums. One of our dentists will then evaluate your head, neck, and jaw, including the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). They will also monitor the alignment of your teeth and bite. We will then discuss anything found and go over your options for treatment. From there, we will ask about any health problems you have, medications you may be taking, and how they might impact your oral health by causing dry mouth and tooth decay. Finally, we will examine any prosthetics you have, like dentures or bridges, to monitor their fit and wear. If any repairs or replacements are needed, these will be made accordingly. You should also bring appliances, such as mouth guards and night guards, to your yearly dental evaluations so we can make sure they remain in good condition.

The follow-up period will depend on your oral health. If we do not identify any issues, then your only necessary follow-up would be to continue caring for your oral health at home by brushing and flossing twice a day. You should also continue to attend your annual dental examinations and bi-annual cleanings at Preferred Dental of Cromwell. If we notice something that needs to be addressed immediately, we will go over your options and help you determine the ideal treatment plan for your needs. From there, any necessary follow-up appointments will be scheduled.

Because yearly dental examinations are preventive and considered necessary for the management of your oral health, these appointments are typically covered by dental insurance. Our office will work with your provider to determine your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs. If you do not have dental insurance, Preferred Dental of Cromwell accepts many payment options, including medical financing. If you have any questions about insurances we take or payments we accept, don't hesitate to contact our Cromwell, CT office.

Having a healthy mouth requires more effort than merely going to the dentist when you notice that something goes wrong. Preventive care is recurring and vital to your oral health because taking proactive steps can potentially save your teeth. We recommend visiting Preferred Dental of Cromwell every year to receive a thorough dental examination and assessment. Seeing our dentists regularly will allow you to stay on top of issues by catching and treating them early. Our team works closely with our patients to ensure that their comfort and needs are met. Contact our office in Cromwell, CT to schedule your once-yearly oral examination and attain a healthier smile.