Dental Exams

General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in West Covina, CA

Dental Exams

Dental Exams services offered in West Covina, CA

Routine dental exams can reduce your risk of common oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. At Queens Dental Group in West Covina, California, general and cosmetic dentists AJ Suchak, DDS, Om Suchak, DDS, and their team offer dental exams to people of all ages. Call the Los Angeles-area practice or book online to make an appointment for yourself or your child today.

What are dental exams?

A dental exam is a checkup that assesses your oral health. 

During treatment, your Queens Dental Group provider completes an oral exam, asks about your dental hygiene, and takes digital X-rays. They also clean your teeth, educate you on the importance of preventive care, and answer any questions you may have.

What happens during dental exams?

At Queens Dental Group, the team tailors dental exams to each patient’s needs. Still, most checkups feature the same steps, including:

Step one: Oral exam

During an oral exam, your dentist uses a handheld mirror to look at your throat, the roof and the floor of your mouth, your tongue, cheeks, and lips. Specifically, they check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other potential problems. They also use gloved hands, feeling any unusual growths or abscesses. If necessary, they might even take a biopsy sample.

Step two: Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays use cutting-edge imaging technology to capture photos of your jaw, tooth roots, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your teeth). The team at Queens Dental Group uses X-rays to identify oral health problems invisible to the eye.

Step three: Professional teeth cleaning

If your teeth and gums look healthy, your provider cleans your teeth. To do that, they use a handheld tool, called a scaler, to remove plaque –– a thin film of saliva and bacteria –– from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums. Your provider uses very precise movements, ensuring the cleaning process is comfortable and pain-free. 

Step four: Flossing

After cleaning your teeth, your Queens Dental Group provider flosses them. Flossing helps remove any plaque or food particles left behind after teeth cleaning. It also massages your gums, reducing your risk of gingivitis and periodontitis 

Step five:  Polishing with gritty toothpaste

Once your teeth are flossed and plaque-free, your provider polishes them with gritty toothpaste. The toothpaste helps remove deep stains, making your smile appear whiter.

Step six: Fluoride treatment (if prescribed)

If you regularly get cavities or have trouble keeping your teeth clean, the team might prescribe a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens your tooth enamel. When applied to your teeth, it reduces your risk of cavities and decay.

When should I schedule a dental exam?

You can reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems by scheduling a dental exam at Queens Dental Group every six months. Stick to that schedule, even if your mouth feels healthy.

Call Queens Dental Group to learn more about the benefits of dental exams, or book online today.