If you are new in town and are about to have your first visit as a patient at a dental practice, or if it’s been awhile since you have visited a dentist’s office at all, you may be a bit nervous about your upcoming appointment. After all, when it comes to dental care, it’s important to feel absolutely comfortable with your dentist, hygienists and surroundings in order to have a successful, anxiety-free visit. Here are some things you can expect from your initial exam at your new dental practice, so you can go into your appointment with the confidence and information you need to make your first visit an enjoyable one.

Dental Exam

During your initial visit, a routine check-up will be performed to assess your overall dental health and pinpoint areas where improvement is necessary. This exam is important for your dentist to develop a foundation for your treatment and to spot any red flags that should be examined more thoroughly.

The first thing your dentist will check during your initial exam is your face and neck, to look for any unusual bumps or swelling that could indicate an underlying dental problem. Then, the inside of your mouth will be checked out by your dentist to spot any abnormalities or discolorations on your lips, tongue, gums, palate and cheeks. Your dentist will also check your bite and examine your jaw joint, as well as perform an oral cancer screening. A comprehensive check of your jawbone and gums will be performed by your dentist to look for signs of gingivitis, gum disease or bone disease. Finally, your teeth will be thoroughly checked for cavities or other issues. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in a specific area of your mouth, be sure to mention it to your dentist so that he or she can pay special attention to that spot.

X-Rays

A set of x-rays should be taken at your initial dental exam, as a visual check is not sufficient to pinpoint any potentially serious underlying problems. These x-rays will allow your dentist to spot any issues that may be going on inside your mouth and teeth that are not yet visible to the naked eye. By using x-rays as an effective method of early detection, your dentist can treat a problem with your dental health before it begins causing pain and manifesting into a more serious issue.

Call Norman Dentist – Dr. Jim D. Spurgeon

Dr. Jim D. Spurgeon and his staff of caring dental professionals welcome our new Norman, OK patients! We are here to help you achieve the bright, healthy smile you deserve. Our Norman dental office is currently accepting new patients- call Smile Solutions today at 405-364-7385 to schedule your initial dental exam. Your teeth are an important part of your overall health- make sure you take good care of your smile, so it can take care of you!