It's important to see your dentist regularly. Dental exams help us find and take care of small problems before they become major issues. Let's take a few minutes to learn more about these exams.
First, let's talk about how often you should have a dental exam. Most of us should visit the dentist about every six months. Of course, if you have pain or other problems between those visits, you'll need to see your dentist more often.
What happens at your exam? Well, before you see the dentist, a dental hygienist cleans and polishes your teeth. They floss your teeth, too. They may check the health of your gums with a tiny probe that goes between your gums and your teeth. And they may take x-rays so we can see anything that's happening inside your teeth or below your gums.
Then, the dentist looks closely at your teeth. They ask you questions about your home care. Do you floss and brush every day? Are you having any issues? Be sure to tell the dentist about any pain or problems you have. The dentist will look at any problem areas very closely. They may do tap tests or temperature tests to see if you feel pain.
If you do have a cavity or some other problem, the dentist will tell you the options for fixing it. You may need to come back for a filling. You may need to see a specialist. Your dentist will make sure you get the care you need.