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More than 25% of American adults have untreated tooth decay, and nearly 50% of adults exhibit signs of gum disease. Juliet Ebrahimian, DDS, and the team at Silverlake Smiles in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, California, provide dental exams to diagnose and prevent oral conditions and concerns. Serving the Silver Lake neighborhood and the surrounding areas of Los Feliz, Atwater Village, Frogtown, and Echo Park, the practice provides dental exams to patients of all ages. To book an appointment, call the practice today or use the online booking tool.
What are the benefits of a dental exam?
Dental exam benefits include:
- Preventing tooth decay or cavities
- Avoiding root canals
- Fighting bad breath
- Lowering your risk of gum disease (gingivitis)
- Preventing enamel loss
- Encouraging good oral hygiene
- Diagnosing a condition early on to avoid extensive and expensive treatments
Dental exams are vital if you have diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, an eating disorder, or are pregnant. These conditions can affect your oral health.
What happens during a routine dental exam?
Silverlake Smiles recommends routine exams and cleanings for all ages once every six months. During these appointments, your provider performs an oral exam before cleaning and removing plaque and tartar from your teeth.
They brush and floss your teeth before rinsing your mouth thoroughly and applying fluoride treatment to protect your teeth from cavities.
Your provider looks for any sign of infection, tooth decay, or a condition that could affect your oral health. If you have sleep apnea, your provider will discuss treatment options with you. They also check the strength of any fillings or crowns you have.
Routine exams often include digital X-rays, which use up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays. This allows your provider to get an accurate picture of your teeth and jaw and avoid the use of any film or chemicals.
If needed, your provider may also use an intra-oral camera to get a close-up look at your teeth and gums.
Your provider may encourage improved oral hygiene and lifestyle changes like improved diet or quitting smoking.
Most insurances cover preventive services like cleanings (one every six months). Be sure to communicate with your company if you’re at risk for oral cancer, as they may also cover that screening.
What is a comprehensive dental exam and screening?
Comprehensive oral exams include a routine dental cleaning and an additional evaluation of your oral health history and overall health. Your provider may discuss any current conditions and collaborate on a treatment plan — the appointment may last about an hour and a half.
Your provider may also perform an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer affects the throat, lip, neck, head, and soft tissues inside your mouth. If caught early, oral cancers have a high cure rate.
During an oral cancer screening, your provider inspects your mouth for lumps, rough patches, or unusual sores and checks it for any sensitivity or swelling.
If you’re interested in booking a routine or comprehensive dental exam, call Silverlake Smiles today or use the online booking tool.