About Dental Exams
We understand that not every dental appointment is enjoyable, however, your annual dental exam can help you live a happier, healthier life. Keeping your teeth in great condition means finding a dentist you want to go to every year for your checkup. At Made Ya Smile Dental in Kingwood, TX, we are a proactive dental practice that makes treatment recommendations after a comprehensive exam with x-rays. Not only will we treat you for all your oral health needs, Made Ya Smile Dental Kingwood is a dental practice for your whole family. At each appointment, we will document the health of your teeth, gums, and bone health. We do this by screening you for periodontal disease, bite issues, oral cancer, and tooth decay. If you have previous dental work on your teeth, we can also evaluate fillings, crowns, and other restorations to see if they need to be replaced.
If a problem is found during your dental exam, we will provide you with the information you need to make a decision about how you would like to repair it. You can count on our state-of-the-art imaging, dental instruments, and professional-grade products that assist in identifying your concerns. We are accepting new patients at Made Ya Smile Dental Kingwood for men, women, and children of all ages. Come by yourself or schedule an appointment for everyone in your family at Made Ya Smile Dental Kingwood today.
Oral Cancer Screening
Screening for oral cancer is one of the best defenses you have from developing oral cancer. Our dentist will take a look at your tongue, inner cheeks, throat, gums, and on the top and bottom palates for bumps, lumps, and discoloration. If any suspicious cells are present, you can expect that we will take a sample to study to see if you have precancerous or cancer cells. Then, your treatment plan can be created to include further testing.
Dental Exam Reviews
What Are the Benefits of A Dental Exam?
Having an annual dental exam is important for your oral health. There are a variety of benefits to annual dental exams, including:
- Early detection (of oral issues such as gum disease and oral cancers)
- Ensuring a healthy environment for your teeth, mouth, and gums
- Evaluating the health of existing dental work
- Tracking bite and jaw alignment
- Routine x-rays to stay on top of structural issues
Who Should Have a Dental Exam?
Most patients follow the "once-a-year" dental exam rule, which is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). We like to pair a dental cleaning in with your dental exam as well. We offer dental examinations for children who may require modified diagnostic imaging to chart the growth of their teeth and gums. Every patient is a welcome candidate for a dental exam in our book! By catching dental problems in their earlier stages, you can limit your time in the dental chair with fewer teeth or gums to repair.
How Is A Dental Exam Performed?
To keep your smile in tip-top shape, we have a checklist of things to accomplish for you while you are here for your appointment. Each dental exam is performed privately in one of our comfortable examination rooms or bays in our office. First, we will start by taking x-rays of your teeth at Made Ya Smile Dental Kingwood. Then, we will ask you questions about your previous dental work, your health history, what medications you are taking, and if you have concerns about that state of your teeth today. During the exam, your dentist will compare your x-rays while visually examining your teeth and gums, look for indicators of TMJ, screen you for oral cancer, and note where old fillings or restorations need to be replaced.
We will discuss your treatment options once the examination and imaging are complete. Your dentist will go over which tooth or teeth need dental work. If there are signs of gum disease, we may recommend a periodontal treatment to improve the health of your gums. It is our job to help you make sense of what dental work needs to be done. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know how we can help you make an informed decision about the next steps in taking care of your teeth.
How Often Should I Get A Dental Exam?
The only follow-ups we have after a dental examination is for the appointments to perform treatments on your teeth or gums that was found during your dental examination. We may schedule your next cleaning at this appointment, but you will not need another full dental exam until next year.
Will My Insurance Cover A Dental Exam?
Most of our Made Ya Smile Dental patients have at least one dental examination a year as a part of their preventive care services. We will be in contact with your provider to see what is and is not covered for your exam. If you do not have dental insurance or go over your allowable limits, we can still find ways for you to have your treatment regardless of the fees. We also partner with CareCredit® if you would like to finance your dental work.
Dental Exam FAQ
How long do dental exams take?
A standard dental exam takes generally between 30 – 60 minutes. Depending on your oral health, it could be longer, such as if you have had significant changes to your oral health or if any oral issues are found during this exam.
Are dental exams painful?
It's our goal that when you visit our Kingwood, TX office, you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. We utilize the latest dental technologies and techniques to help you remain as comfortable as possible.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my dental exam?
You should brush and floss your teeth before you come in for your dental exam. You may also want to avoid eating or drinking anything aside from water before your exam. If you have any other questions about how to prepare for your exam or what to expect, please feel free to contact our office.
Schedule Your Annual Dental Exam
Make an appointment for a dental examination for you and your family at Made Ya Smile Dental in Kingwood, TX. We keep teeth and gums healthy with annual, comprehensive dental examinations in our office. Do not wait until you have a toothache or the symptoms of an advanced dental problem. We are a family dental practice at Made Ya Smile Dental, giving our patients of all ages preventive care with our dental examinations. We want you to feel welcomed here. Please know that you can voice your concerns at our dental office because we want you to have the dental care you need and deserve. Schedule with one of our friendly patient care coordinators at Made Ya Smile Dental in Kingwood, TX.