A comprehensive dental exam is a thorough dental care exercise undertaken by a dental professional to understand your dental needs in their entirety. Comprehensive dental exams allow your dentist to create a baseline of your oral health requirements and recommend appropriate short-term and long-term treatments.

Comprehensive dental exams in Dover, NH, are an essential aspect of preventive dental care. Ideally, patients should undergo a complete oral evaluation every three years, starting at age two. If you’re a new patient at Belknap Dental Associates, our dentists near you will recommend getting a comprehensive assessment so we have a clear picture of all your unique needs.

Components of A Comprehensive Oral Evaluation

We like our patients to be an active part of the treatment process. Before commencing a comprehensive oral evaluation, our dentists in Dover, NH will prepare you regarding what to expect. We aim to ensure your comfort at all times, and this can only happen if you know what to look forward to during your time with us.

Some of the critical components of a comprehensive dental exam include:

• Assessment of your dental and overall medical history, as well as your diet and any lifestyle habits that may affect your oral well-being.

• Disease screening. Our dentists check for indicators of oral cancer, gum disease, and cavities. We’ll also be on the lookout for any symptoms indicative of temporomandibular disorder and teeth grinding.

• Bite evaluation. If you have bite problems, our dentist may recommend an orthodontic assessment for further treatment.

• Dental x-rays. Sometimes, dental problems may be hidden to the naked eye. Digital dental x-rays help us to make sense of not-so-apparent dental issues.

• Dental Examination of existing restorations. Do you have crowns, bridges, fillings, or dentures that you got a while back? Our dentists will check to see if these restorations are still in good shape during a comprehensive oral exam. If not, repairs or replacement may be recommended.

• Oral health education. We empower our patients to take greater control of their oral health by providing crucial information regarding oral hygiene habits.

• Teeth cleaning and stain removal. Teeth cleaning eliminates harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, lowering your risk for cavities and gum disease.

How to Prepare for Dental Exams

If you’re gearing up for a comprehensive dental exam, you’re probably wondering how you need to prepare. There isn’t much special preparation required for this evaluation. However, if you’re visiting us for the first time, we recommend ensuring your previous dental records are in order. Bring your past dental records with you on your first visit, or ask your previous dentist to transfer your records to us if this is possible.

On the day of your appointment, remember to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Keeping up with your dental hygiene ensures a more pleasant experience.

If you’re looking for a reputable and family-friendly dental practice that offers comprehensive dental exams near you, contact Belknap Dental Associates today.