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Dentists offer comprehensive care for patients of all ages and needs. Regular examinations allow dentists to detect issues early and treat them effectively before they become more serious.
An exam with the dentist involves inspecting teeth, tongue and oral cavity for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. And taking X-rays if needed.
I’m sharing about this topic because I’m a bestselling wellness author – known for my health-boosting longevity book LIFE IS LONG.
In this article I’ll be sharing about what you can expect from your dentist, so you take care of your teeth and smile at their very best.
Preventive care refers to screenings, tests, patient education and other interventions designed to ward off diseases or medical problems before they emerge. This service differs from diagnostic care which serves to identify symptoms of health issues that have already arisen and diagnose health conditions after their occurrence.
Preventive care includes annual physicals, flu shots and vaccinations. Some insurance plans provide dental coverage for routine cleanings and exams to maintain oral health.
As you know, you can improve quality-of-life by providing early diagnosis and treatment of any illness. Utilizing preventive services as recommended is one way to stay healthy throughout your life while relieving healthcare systems of additional strain; under the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits (EHBs), preventive services are typically covered without cost sharing among individual/family and small group health plans.
Dental hygiene visits should be an annual appointment with either your dentist or hygienist, in which they thoroughly clean the surfaces of your teeth and above your gum lines to remove plaque (a sticky film filled with bacteria) and tartar (calculated deposits that cannot be easily removed by brushing or flossing alone). They may also use rubber cups with special toothpaste or pumice polishers to gently remove stains for a fresh feeling in your mouth.
Regular dental visits can help protect patients against more serious dental problems down the line, including tooth decay, gum disease and even bone loss. Dentists can spot issues early and provide timely treatments that save both time and money for their patients.
Dental insurance plans often cover routine cleanings; if you don’t, funds from your health savings or flexible spending account may suffice to pay for them. If costs are an issue for you, speak to your dentist and inquire as to the various financing options that might be available – they will gladly address them!
X-rays are images taken of the inside of your body to detect cavities or other issues, while remaining safe for all ages. Although overexposure to radiation over time may increase cancer risks, an X-ray involves lying or standing in front of a special plate that produces images on a screen or film and should be painless; your provider may ask you to move limbs into different positions for clarity of images; any jewelry, hairpins or hearing aids must also be removed prior to an X-ray procedure.
Some X-rays utilize contrast medium, such as barium or iodine, to outline an area on an image. This chemical may be swallowed, given as an enema, or injected directly into veins (similar to blood tests). Contrast medium increases radiation dosage; however, they allow your provider to see soft tissues more clearly than without contrast dye injection. Rarely patients can experience an allergic reaction and need emergency care treatment immediately.
Vaughan, ON dental professionals take great care in inspecting the mouth, teeth and tongue for signs of issues. In addition, X-rays may be taken in order to identify issues that cannot be seen visually such as tooth decay or bone loss; these X-rays pose no harm and help diagnose and treat problems before they worsen.
Once they have identified the source of a problem, dentists will begin treatment immediately. First they will use special dental tools to scrape away hardened plaque and tartar accumulation before polishing teeth with special brushes using mildly abrasive paste – this process should be quick and painless.
Dental professionals must possess the ability to think critically and question assumptions. They should consider all angles when looking at any given situation and know when compromise may be necessary in order to provide optimal care for their patients. Furthermore, they should communicate effectively with their patients in order to put their minds at ease when discussing uncomfortable procedures.