Complete Oral Exams in Wellesley, MA
A complete oral exam is an extensive diagnostic assessment of your oral and overall health. Comprehensive oral exams allow dentists to create baselines for patients’ health. Based on the outcome of the complete oral evaluation, a dentist may recommend restorative treatments or embark on preventive measures such as fluoride treatments and dental cleanings.
If you’re visiting Wellesley Dental Arts for the first time, you’ll need to undergo a complete oral evaluation so we can get fully informed on the state of your oral and overall health.
If you’re in good dental health, our dentist may recommend getting complete oral exams every three to five years, to keep your dental records updated.
Complete oral exams are typically non-invasive and usually last an hour, with some patients falling on either side of this estimate.
What Happens During Complete Oral Exams?
A dentist’s objective during a complete oral evaluation is to detect any problem areas and recommend treatment. As such, the dentist utilizes visual observation, physical inspection, as well as dental x-rays to have an unobstructed view into the state of your oral and overall well-being.
In particular, our dentist will check for the following:
- Signs of cavities
- Signs of gum disease
- Bite problems
- State of existing dental restorations including fillings and crowns
- Signs of oral cancer
- Signs of clenching or tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Abnormalities of the lymph nodes
Our dentist will update your medical history and dental records based on the findings from the complete oral exam.
How to Prepare for Complete Oral Exams
The level of detail that goes into a complete oral evaluation can make you feel anxious. We want to assure you that there’s nothing scary about a comprehensive oral assessment. We make sure our patients feel safe and comfortable with us, whether they’re coming in for dental exams or treatment procedures.
There isn’t much preparation required for complete oral exams. However, we advise our patients to ensure they’re currently updated on any medications and treatments that they’re on. Make a list if you have a hard time remembering.
Where possible, request a transfer of dental records from your current dentist. Remember also to get in touch with your insurance provider if you have any questions.
Complete oral exams are integral to your oral well-being. Don’t leave anything to chance—let our dentist check you for any problems and offer you the necessary dental treatments. Give one of our conveniently located offices a call to schedule an appointment today!