Dental Exams in Clovis, NM

Regular dental exams are a must for a good dental health. They are non-invasive and not painful, so there is no reason to fear them. Here are the most important facts about dental exams:

What to expect of regular dental exams:

1. The first dental exams with Dr. Wood involves a discussion about your medical history, during which you will need to explain any dental and medical conditions you suffer from. Also, the dentist may ask about your diet, supplements you take on a normal basis, and any medications.
2. The discussion is followed by a general X-ray, which reveals hidden cavities, abscesses or any other tooth problems that may not be visible. A hands-on examination will help the dentist evaluate the condition of your gums and teeth.
3. Once the examination is complete, Dr. Wood presents you the results, and you decide the next steps. If cavities are discovered, the dentist will suggest fillings or crowns, if there are missing teeth, they may suggest bridges or implants, and if there are infections, they will prescribe you antibiotics to reduce the infection before treatment. If there are no dental problems, the dentist may proceed to a professional dental cleaning where the plaque and tartar build-up are removed to minimize cavity occurrence and increase teeth’s aesthetics.
4. The last phase of the check-up involves a series of recommendations to improve your oral health. Instructions about proper brushing and flossing are common, especially when the existing routine is not satisfying.
5. During the subsequent check-ups, the dentist may not go through all the steps mentioned above, since they already have a medical record of your health conditions. Instead, they will check the problem areas to record their progress. Also, they will provide you a feedback on the way you implemented their recommendations and suggested further improvements or changes in the daily dental care routine.

How often should you go to the dentist?

dental exams are best done every six months. Six months is the average time span between two check-ups, but depending on your dental health Dr. Wood may increase or decrease the number of annual check-ups. For example, if your teeth and gums are in good condition, and there is no significant plaque build-up in-between visits the dentist may agree to one annual check-up.

On the other hand, high-risk patients may need to increase the number of annual check-ups to three or even four. People who fall in this category are:

• Patients who smoke or chew tobacco
• Pregnant women
• Patients with diabetes
• Patients who suffer from gum diseases
• Patients with abnormal plaque and tartar build-up
• Persons with low immunity to infections.

Your check-up frequency should be discussed with the dentist, for a personalized approach. Visit us for dental exams to save yourself the pain of infections or other serious problems. We promise to maintain healthy teeth and give you a perfect smile. The importance of dental exams can never be over-emphasized.