Dental Exams and Check-Ups

How Important is Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams should generally take place once a year for a periodic exam. However, the first exam with Dr. Simek will help decide how often you should be examined, we may suggest that your exams be more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooh and root decay as well as gum disease.

What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?

At a typical dental exam, our team will make sure that all x rays are updated, depending on insurance coverage for the patient and the frequency of decay formation. X rays are usually updated 1x a year. Using an intraoral camera, pictures of decay or other concerning areas will be taken. We will also check for signs of gum disease.  We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. Questions about current nutrition will also be asked. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.