What A General Dentist Looks For In Your Dental Exam

It is common for people to be nervous about their upcoming dental exam with a general dentist. Seeing a dentist twice a year is very important to your oral and overall health and safety. During a dental exam, a general dentist looks for signs of tooth decay in all teeth, gum disease including gingivitis and periodontitis, signs of oral cancer in the soft tissues, wear patterns that might indicate bruxism, signs of jaw problems including TMJ issues, condition of existing restorations, and bone loss through X-ray evaluation. The exam typically includes a visual examination, probing of the gums, oral cancer screening, and review of X-rays. Early detection of any problems allows for simpler and less expensive treatment.