Dental Exams
Dental exams and digital x-rays at Clayburn Dental in Abbotsford are important preventive diagnostic screening tools used to uncover potential dental diseases and problems that may harm your overall oral health.
What's involved in a dental exam?
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial visit at Clayburn Dental in Abbotsford. At regular check-up exams, where appropriate, the dentist and hygienist will include the following:
- Examination of dental x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root position.
- Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check-up of current fillings, crowns, etc.
Digital X-Rays
At Clayburn Dental in Abbotsford, the dentist uses dental radiographs (x-rays) as essential, preventative, diagnostic tools which provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and to complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental x-rays are used to search for:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Are digital x-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of dental x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources. Digital dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe.
Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each digital dental x-ray.
How often should digital x-rays be taken?
The need for digital dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs.
Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary dental x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.