What Is A Dental Exam, And How Long Will It Last?

While few like a trip to the dentist, they make an effort to maintain their oral health in order to avoid serious issues down the road.

If it has been a while since your last dental appointment, and you are anxious about what to anticipate, keep reading.

Find out how long dental exams often last and what kinds of questions you can expect to be asked by your Laguna Beach dentures dentist. 

What exactly is a dental exam?

A dental exam is all about examining the mouth, teeth, and gums. A dental exam is a normal element of maintaining good health and should be performed by a professional dentist.

A dental checkup is a simple treatment that everyone should have at least once every six months, regardless of whether or not they have any special oral health concerns.

When a child’s first baby tooth erupts, he or she should begin a schedule of twice-yearly dental checkups.

Where does the dentist start the visit?

When you arrive for your visit, your dentist’s first order of business is to gather information about your health. This conversation will be lighthearted and easygoing, so relax. You might expect questions about your smoking habits and any pre existing diseases that may affect your tooth health.

Your dentist will look for cavities, gum disease, and other problems related to your mouth and teeth during the examination itself.

Your dentist may also assess your risk for other oral health issues by checking your face, neck, and mouth, and discussing how your diet and smoking habits may be affecting your dental health.

Taking a dental X-ray takes only a few minutes and causes no discomfort to the patient.

How long does it take to finish the exam?

Give or take a dental checkup should not take more than fifteen minutes. If there are complications or your dentist wants to review your medical history in greater detail, the process could take longer.

In the same vein, if you have dental phobia, your exam may run longer than usual since the dentist needs to spend extra time reassuring you.

As a result of the increased likelihood of a buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth, as well as other difficulties like a cavity or gum disease, a dental exam for someone who has not gone in quite some time may take longer.

An additional half an hour to an hour may be added to your appointment time if your dental checkup necessitates cleaning and/or fluoride treatment.