Looking for Cavities at a Dental Checkup

Getting a dental checkup is often one of the most critical ways of keeping your smile in great condition. One thing the appointment involves is looking for cavities. Finding them early allows you to get the right treatment. That way, these are less likely to become worse issues. Keep reading to learn more about the process.

More than cavity checks

The dentist uses a variety of techniques to examine the teeth. But it is about more than just looking for holes in the enamel. The dentist will also do a general overview of the patient’s health. That might include asking about new diets or allergies. Reviewing the health of the patient allows the dentist to understand the different factors better.

Cleaning the teeth and removing the plaque

Before the dentist does the examination, it is critical to remove any tartar and plaque buildup. That includes cleaning both the teeth and gum area. The dentist will also look for swelling or sores around the gums and teeth. Plus, the dentist evaluates the condition of the gums and teeth.

Examining the gums, mouth, and teeth

After the cleaning, the dentist will scrutinize the teeth. It is about more than just looking for issues with the gums and teeth. The process should prevent future problems, as well. If there is even a slight indication of gum disease or cavities, it needs to get addressed. These indications can affect the patient’s full health, including the rest of the mouth.

The dentist might ask the patient about any unusual symptoms. That might include black or white stains on the teeth. The patient might also be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. There could be a toothache in the area, as well. When having sweet things, the patient may have some pain in a specific place. These might all be signs that there is a cavity.

Using X-rays and other tests

If there are some concerns during the exam, the dentist might do some other tests. If treatment is necessary, the dentist can do that, as well. The X-rays are painless to take, and they allow the dentist to see more of the mouth. An X-ray can help the dentist find cavities and look at the underlying oral health factors. That might include abnormalities with the jaw or bone.

The X-ray can find issues that are invisible to the naked eye. The dentist can inspect the alignment and jawbone density. These X-rays are even more critical for patients who grind the teeth or have oral cancer. Other dental concerns might make X-rays essential, as well. Plus, older patients might need to have X-rays done more frequently.