What is a Dental Exam?
If you want to stay healthy, you need to be proactive with any dental issues, no matter how small, by getting them diagnosed and treated before they develop into bigger conditions. These problems can be identified during a complete dental examination, which should start around age one. While the mouth is always quickly examined in a teeth cleaning, a dental examination provides a more thorough analysis of the mouth as a whole. Dental examinations at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates evaluate your general and oral health by checking for tooth decay, disease, and signs of oral cancer. Drs. Kahn, Ferrari, and Aldieri, or someone on their team will determine your need for treatments and check your bite and jaw for problems. A series of images will be taken to get a better view of the hidden problems in your teeth, jawbone, and gums. If you live near Farmingdale, NY, schedule an annual dental examination at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates for your whole family.
Oral Cancer Screening During Dental Exam
Oral cancer is any group of cells in the mouth that is abnormal, including the gums, lips, jawbone, throat, salivary glands, and tongue. Dental exams at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates always include a screening for oral cancer. This helps us look for early oral cancer symptoms, including inflammation, sores, lumps, and lesions. One of our skilled dentists will feel the jaw and throat, looking out for abnormalities. In the event that any areas of concern are found, these routine exams will help us to catch them as early as possible and address them in a timely manner. If an area of concern is discovered, a biopsy can be performed or you may be referred to a specialist for further care.
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Will I Benefit from a Dental Exam?
Farmingdale, NY residents of every age should get a dental exam every year. Common problems, such as gum disease (the top reason for tooth loss), may not have signs you can see but can only be found with an annual dental exam. When concerns are caught early, you are more likely to have more options for treatment.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that babies have their first dental appointment before they turn one. Our family-friendly dentists can help with issues, including teething, baby bottle tooth decay, and the use of pacifiers. We are happy to teach you how to clean and care for your baby's mouth so they start good habits early, helping them throughout their life. Dental examinations are also vital for children as they get older and their mouths develop.
What Will Happen During My Dental Exam?
Your dental exam at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates will start with an overall mouth evaluation, reviewing your tongue, gums, teeth, throat, inside your cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and other areas. Your dentist will also check for symptoms of oral cancer throughout your mouth. Drs. Kahn, Ferrari, Aldieri, or another member of the team may take digital images and check for any abnormal tissue in the gums. Our skilled dentists will evaluate your head, neck, and jaw, including your temporomandibular joints (the joints that connect your jawbone to your skull), and bite. We will talk about any issues found, the best way to address them, and then we will go over any other concerns you may have. We will also ask about any prescriptions you may be taking in case if they might impact your oral health by causing dry mouth and tooth decay. Lastly, we will check any prosthetics you have, such as dentures or bridges, to assess the wear and fit.
What Should I Expect After My Dental Exam?
You'll need to schedule your next appointment after your dental exam, depending on the findings during your exam. If one of the doctors at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates does not identify any problems, then the only follow-up would be to continue a regular dental health regimen, including flossing and brushing twice a day, plus annual dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings. If we do see anything that needs treatment, procedures can be reviewed and planned as necessary. One of our wonderful office assistants can help you schedule your appointment, and our doctors are always available to answer any questions you may have!
Annual Dental Exams
True oral health means more than going to the dentist only when something is wrong; it's about preventive care. It can save your mouth from problems, as well as save you some time and money down the road. We recommend visiting Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates once a year for a dental examination. Doing so can help you to minimize concerns for your whole family by catching and treating any issues early on. We do our best to make dental exams a positive experience for you and your family so it's easier to stay healthy and keep smiling. Contact our Farmingdale, NY office to schedule your exam.