Since the process of consuming and digesting food begins in the mouth, everything we eat causes food particles to remain between the teeth, which over time leads to bacteria formation and deterioration of oral health. Therefore, regular dental examinations are necessary.
What Is a Dental Examination?
A dental examination is the detailed check-up of teeth or gum problems performed by dentists. During the examination, existing or potential issues are identified, and the necessary treatment process is planned.
Having regular dental examinations is highly important in terms of early treatment planning and preventing future tooth loss or similar problems.
Procedures that may be carried out by the dentist during a dental examination include:
Examination
The teeth and gums are checked in detail, and any existing issues are identified. A thorough dental examination can largely detect most problems.
X-ray
In modern dental examinations, X-rays are often requested. With X-rays, conditions such as bone damage, the presence and status of impacted teeth, cysts, abscesses, tumors, or cavities invisible to the naked eye can be easily detected. In addition to standard X-rays, panoramic X-rays may also be requested by dentists to view the upper and lower jawbones together.
Cleaning
During the examination, the dentist may perform a professional cleaning both to identify underlying problems and to maintain oral hygiene. Special sprays are used during cleaning to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line, which could otherwise lead to bad breath, cavities, or more serious problems. If necessary, teeth polishing may also be performed after the cleaning.
How Often Should a Dental Examination Be Done?
If there are no visible or noticeable problems with your teeth or gums, having a dental examination every 3 to 6 months is considered ideal. However, if you have any dental problems or have undergone treatments such as fillings or root canal therapy, your dentist may recommend shorter intervals between check-ups.
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