When you first visit our team at Torrens Dental Care, we will provide you with a comprehensive oral exam in North Naples. Read on to learn what a comprehensive oral exam entails and why it is important.
What Does a Comprehensive Oral Exam Entail?
A comprehensive oral exam is an in-depth assessment and documentation of all soft and hard extraoral and intraoral tissues, including:
- A review of current medications
- Full documentation of your medical history
- Documentation of allergies, previous surgeries, hospitalization, and any other medical conditions
- A full examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw
- Dental x-rays
Our dentist in North Naples will conduct a visual and physical screening of your mouth and surrounding tissues during your oral examination. The next step is examining the soft and hard palate and the inner and outer portions of the lips. Our dentist will also investigate your cheeks and behind your molars and perform an oral cancer screening.
What is the Importance of an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are a good screening tool for cancer before someone shows symptoms. Early detection of cancer cells can ensure that patients get successful treatment and can recover from the disease. Since it is tough to determine who is more at risk for oral cancer, it is recommended that you get an oral cancer screening every time you visit a dental office near you. These screenings are quick and painless and can easily save your life. Our dentist will look at all the areas of your mouth, neck, and head to look for abnormalities. They will send you to a specialist for further testing and diagnosis if any are found.
The Connection Between Overall Health and Oral Health
It may surprise you to find out that there is a big connection between oral and overall health. Getting a comprehensive oral exam near you can do more for your health than just protecting your teeth and gums from disease or decay. Research has shown that gum disease is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. By attending comprehensive oral exams, you can catch gum disease early and reverse it before it causes serious damage to your body.
The Importance of Dental X-Rays
Comprehensive oral exams can include counseling about smoking, diet, and lifestyle factors that harm oral health. Depending on what our dentist finds, they may need to perform dental X-rays to give them a more detailed picture of what is going on with your oral health.
It is important to note that dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool and are considered very safe. While all X-rays use radiation, dental X-rays emit a very low radiation dose, and their benefits far outweigh their risks.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Oral Examination
If you have never had a comprehensive oral examination, or if it has been longer than a year since you visited a dentist, then now is the time to contact our team at Torrens Dental Care and book your appointment. Our dedicated team of dental professionals is happy to provide high-quality dental exams, so our patients can enjoy excellent oral health for a lifetime. Please do not hesitate to contact us and book your comprehensive oral exam today.