We want to see you and your family for a dental exam at least once every six months. During these visits, we will take a close look at your smile with digital x-rays to offer a precise diagnosis. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, dentist talks about the importance of our dental exams and digital x-rays!
The Importance of a Dental Exam
You should see us for an exam at least once every six months, and that goes for every member of your family. Serious concerns that threaten the stability and health of your smile take months to form, so stopping in twice a year is a chance to catch issues like tooth decay and gum disease in the early stages. We also look for other serious oral health concerns, such as TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). The earlier we diagnose a problem, the sooner we can start treatment, and in many cases, the less extensive treatment needs to be.
Digital X-Rays
To make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, we will take x-rays of your smile. With the digital option, we use 90% less radiation and the images are available instantly chairside, no need to wait for them to develop in harsh chemicals. You spend less time in the chair, and we can make a more accurate diagnosis, as these high-definition images allow us to make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy. The process of taking the images is simple too, as you don’t need to bite down on uncomfortable bitewings. We can identify the position and severity of cavities and infections, assess the position of wisdom teeth, and watch for issues that have weakened jawbone structure. We may also use intraoral cameras to better examine the surfaces of the teeth and gums too!
Oral Cancer Screenings
In the same visit, we will conduct an oral cancer screening for adults. With advanced digital imagery, we will look for possible signs of cancerous or precancerous issues. If we find an area that seems problematic, then our team will perform a biopsy, gathering a tissue sample for further examination in a lab setting. Oral cancer has a high mortality rate because it is rarely caught in the early stages, when treatment is most effective. But with a screening every year, the chances for an early diagnosis are significantly higher, as is a chance for a full recovery.
If you have any questions about how we use digital x-rays to protect your smile, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Next Checkup Appointment
Our team can offer a preventive dental exam to help keep your smile strong and healthy. To schedule this surgery, call Silk Dental in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 969-SILK (7455).
