Dental Exam in Flagstaff AZ

Maintaining a healthy smile starts with regular dental exams in Flagstaff AZ. At Mountain West Family Dental we believe prevention is the key to good oral health. Most patients often wonder why it is essential to keep their regular dental appointments, especially if they are not suffering from any troublesome dental issues such as a toothache or sensitivity. The truth is that regular dental check-ups enable your dentist to monitor your individual oral health and help your teeth and gums stay strong, healthy, and disease-free.

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Why Are Regular Dental Exams in Flagstaff AZ Important?

You’ve probably heard it before: regular dental exams are essential for good oral health. But why? Think of a dental exam as a routine check-up for your teeth—similar to how you’d visit a doctor for your overall health. During these visits, we can catch issues early, saving you from potential pain, tooth loss, or expensive procedures down the road.

Oral health is connected to overall health. Conditions like gum disease can increase your risk for heart disease and diabetes, while missing teeth can lead to difficulties eating or speaking. We want to help you avoid these problems with regular, proactive care.

Preventing cavities and tooth decay

• It is not always easy to keep cavities and tooth decay at bay, even though you may follow a strict oral hygiene schedule. Cavities usually start in hard-to-reach areas and can go unnoticed by you until larger dental issues develop that could have been prevented by regular check-ups. By seeing your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and routine exams, you can stop any dental decay in the early stages before larger problems like root canals and extractions are needed. Your dentist is trained to catch dental cavities before they cause dental pain or more complex dental treatment.

Screening for periodontal diseases

• Regular visits will ensure the early detection of gum disease before it escalates into complex periodontal disease. They will allow the dentist and hygienist to help you manage and improve your gum health and minimize the risk of developing periodontal disease, infections and/or possible tooth loss.

Oral cancer detection

• During regular dental check-ups, the dentist will screen you for oral and head and neck cancer. If you go to dental check-ups at least once every six months, abnormalities can be detected early. The early diagnosis of oral cancer increases the chances of making a good recovery before the condition progresses into a life-threatening situation.

X-Rays and finding underlying dental issues

• The X-rays taken during your regular check-ups will help your dentist find issues within the teeth, beneath the surface of the gums, and within your jawbone. X-rays are a standard of care that are needed to detect dental concerns such as decay, infections, impacted teeth, cysts, jaw bone loss, tumors or other potentially significant problems that may not otherwise be noticed during a routine visual examination.

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What Happens During a Dental Exam at Mountain West Family Dental?

A typical dental exam includes three main components: a professional dental cleaning, a thorough examination, and sometimes X-rays. Let’s break it down further:

1. Professional Cleaning

One of our skilled dental hygienists will start by giving your teeth a professional cleaning. During the cleaning process, plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth and under your gums and other dental appliances are also cleaned and polished. Here’s what’s involved:

• Scaling: This removes plaque and tartar buildup. Even with good brushing and flossing habits, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional.
• Polishing: Using a special paste, we’ll polish your teeth, giving them that fresh, smooth feeling. Think of it like a mini facial for your teeth!
• Flossing: To wrap things up, we’ll floss between your teeth to make sure no debris is left behind.

2. Dental Examination

After the cleaning, the dentist will begin your routine check-up by conducting an in-depth examination of your head and neck, including the face, neck, jaw joints, and lymph nodes to check for:

• Cavities and tooth decay
• Gum disease (periodontal disease)
• Signs of oral cancer
• Issues with your bite (how your teeth fit together

Our goal is to spot any issues early when they’re easier (and less expensive) to treat. If we detect a problem, we’ll walk you through your treatment options.

3. Dental X-Rays

Depending on your oral health and when you last had X-rays, we may take images of your teeth and jaw. X-rays help us see issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like cavities hiding between teeth, bone loss, or impacted teeth. If you’re concerned about radiation, don’t worry—modern dental X-rays use a very low dose of radiation, and we take every precaution to keep you safe.

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Who Should Get Dental Exams—and How Often?

Most adults and children should have a dental exam every six months. However, some people may need to come in more frequently, especially if you:

• Have a history of gum disease or frequent cavities
• Are pregnant, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease
• Have diabetes or another condition that affects your immune system
• Smoke or use tobacco products, which increases the risk of oral cancer and gum disease

Not sure how often you need to come in? Our team will help create a personalized plan for your oral health based on your individual needs.

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What About Dental Exams for Kids?

Yes, even little ones need dental exams! In fact, we recommend bringing your child in for their first dental exam around their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Establishing good habits early on sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

We offer pediatric dental exams with a gentle, kid-friendly approach. Our goal is to make your child feel comfortable and safe while teaching them the importance of good oral care.

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Common Concerns About Dental Exams

Do Dental Exams Hurt?
We understand some patients feel nervous about going to the dentist, especially if they’ve had a bad experience in the past. The good news? Most dental exams are completely painless. The cleaning might feel a bit uncomfortable if there’s a lot of tartar buildup, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you're anxious, just let us know! We can offer solutions to make your visit as relaxing as possible.

Are X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays are considered very safe. The amount of radiation you’re exposed to during a dental X-ray is extremely low. However, if you're pregnant or think you might be, be sure to let us know in advance so we can take extra precautions.

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Preparing for Your Dental Exam

There’s not much you need to do before a dental exam. If you take any medications or have certain health conditions—like heart issues or immune disorders—let us know. Some patients may need to take antibiotics before their exam to reduce the risk of infection. Not sure if this applies to you? We’ll walk you through everything when you book your appointment.

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Take Control of Your Oral Health at Mountain West Family Dental

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and regular dental exams are key to keeping it bright, healthy, and pain-free. At Mountain West Family Dental in Flagstaff AZ, our dedicated team is here to make your visits comfortable and stress-free.

Ready to schedule your next dental exam? Call us at (928) 774-4412 or contact us online today to book your appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come!