Precision Checkups for Healthier Smiles
- Full mouth X-rays
- Comprehensive clinical exam
- Intra-oral photos
- Have dental insurance?: Your cost will depend on your specific plan.
Why It’s Beneficial
Some dental conditions develop without noticeable pain or other symptoms. Routine dental exams give your dentist a chance to spot changes early and monitor your oral health over time. The examination can help identify concerns such as:
- Early tooth decay and cavities
- Gingivitis and signs of gum disease
- Cracked, worn, or damaged teeth
- Loose or failing fillings, crowns, and other restorations
- Gum recession or changes in supporting bone
- Bite and jaw-joint concerns
- Unusual changes in the soft tissues of the mouth
Finding a problem early can provide more options for managing it and may help prevent a relatively minor concern from becoming more extensive.
What You Can Expect
At Lakeside Dental, your dental exam is tailored to your oral health history, symptoms, and individual risk factors.
- Examination: Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and may evaluate your bite, jaw joints, restorations, and other structures in and around your mouth.
- Dental X-rays: When appropriate, x-rays are taken allowing the dental team to evaluate areas that cannot be fully seen during a visual examination, including structures beneath the gums and between teeth. The need and frequency of dental X-rays is based on each patient’s oral health, age, symptoms, history, and risk factors.
- Intraoral photos: These are taken to document and evaluate areas of concern. These images can help you better understand what your dentist sees and why a particular treatment or preventive recommendation may be appropriate.
- Oral Tissue Screening: A comprehensive dental examination also includes a visual and VELscope evaluation of the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the lips, cheeks, tongue, and palate. VELscope technology is an enhanced screening tool that uses a special light to examine oral tissues. If abnormal tissues are found, then further evaluation may be necessary.
Once the dental exam is completed, our Folsom dentist explains what was found and recommends follow-up treatment or routine visits as necessary.
How Much Does It Cost?
If you are paying out of pocket, our new patient exam is just $99 and includes full-mouth X-rays, a comprehensive exam, and intraoral photos.
If you have dental insurance, your benefits may cover some or all of the cost of a routine dental exam. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so our team can help you understand your benefits before your appointment.
For questions about dental exam costs, insurance, or payment options, contact Lakeside Dental at (916) 983-8870. Our team will be happy to provide information based on your specific needs and coverage.
How To Take Care of Oral Health After a Dental Exam
Your exam provides a snapshot of your oral health, but what you do between appointments also plays an important role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Follow any personalized recommendations your dentist provides, especially if your exam identifies areas that need extra attention.
For most patients, a good home-care routine includes:
- Brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or another recommended interdental cleaner
- Limiting frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Keeping recommended dental exam and professional cleaning appointments
- Contacting your dentist in Folsom if you notice new pain, swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, or other changes
Consistent home care and regular dental visits work together to help protect your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
Dental Exam FAQs
How often should I have a dental exam?
The right schedule depends on your individual oral health. Many patients have regular checkups on a routine schedule, while people with gum disease, recurring cavities, or other risk factors may need more frequent examinations. Your dentist can recommend an appropriate interval for you.
What happens during a dental exam?
Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite, restorations, and other areas of your mouth for signs of dental disease or damage. Depending on your needs, the appointment may also involve X-rays, intraoral photos, an oral tissue screening, and recommendations for preventive or restorative care.
Do dental exams always include X-rays?
No. Dental X-rays should be recommended according to your individual needs rather than automatically taken at every examination. Your dentist considers factors such as your dental history, current oral health, symptoms, age, and risk for dental disease when determining whether new images are appropriate.
Can a dental exam find cavities before they hurt?
Yes. Early tooth decay may develop without noticeable pain. A clinical examination and, when appropriate, dental X-rays can help your dentist identify decay before it causes more obvious symptoms.
Can a dental exam detect gum disease?
Yes. Your dental team can evaluate your gums for signs such as inflammation, bleeding, recession, and changes in the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Identifying gum disease early allows your dentist to recommend appropriate preventive care or treatment.
Does a dental exam include an oral cancer screening?
A comprehensive exam includes an evaluation of the mouth’s soft tissues for unusual changes. Lakeside Dental also uses VELscope technology as an enhanced oral screening tool. An abnormal finding does not necessarily mean cancer, but it may indicate that additional evaluation is appropriate.
Do I need a dental exam if nothing hurts?
Yes. Cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, worn restorations, and other dental problems can develop without obvious symptoms. Regular exams give your dentist an opportunity to identify and monitor changes before they become painful or more complicated.
Is a dental exam the same as a dental cleaning?
No. A dental exam evaluates the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. A dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and surface buildup. The two are often completed at the same appointment but are considered two different dental services.
How should I prepare for my dental exam?
Brush and floss normally before your appointment and be prepared to discuss your health history and medications. Tell your dental team about symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, pain, bleeding gums, swelling, or jaw discomfort, as well as any changes in your overall health.
Regular dental exams can help you stay informed about your oral health and address potential problems as early as possible. Lakeside Dental provides comprehensive dental exams in Folsom with preventive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Ready to schedule your next checkup? Contact Lakeside Dental at (916) 983-8870 or request an appointment online.
