Adult

Care

LIBERTY cares about more than just teeth!

help tip: Your First Dental Visit

For your ﬁrst dental visit, your dentist will need to

record and review a thorough medical and dental

history. This helps him/her learn about any health

conditions, including allergies, medications that you

are taking, and/or other health problems you might be

experiencing.

The dental staff will take radiographs (x-rays) of

your teeth, so the dentist can detect any problems and

evaluate for any decay, bone loss, abscesses, impacted

teeth or tooth alignment problems. X-rays taken may

include: (1) bitewings, which are used to detect decay,

evaluate the supporting bone level, ﬁnd calculus (tartar)

under the gums, and help detect periodontal pockets;

(2) periapicals, which show the end of the tooth root,

possible abscesses, calculus, and/or bone health not

detected in the visual examination; (3) a full mouth

series of 16-18 ﬁlms (including bitewing and

fact:

periapical x-rays) or, and (4) a panoramic x-ray that

shows tooth position (especially wisdom teeth), sinus

cavities, possible abscesses, and the TMJ. Your dentist

may also have an intra-oral camera which will enable

him/her to evaluate and photograph your mouth with

up to 25 to 30 times magniﬁcation, thereby allowing the

dentist to show you a magniﬁed view of any decayed

teeth, cracked ﬁllings, and/or other signiﬁcant problems

that need to be discussed.

Oral health requires

regular visits to your

dentist

Your blood pressure may be taken to detect

hypertension. An examination of your mouth and teeth

will be conducted. The dentist may probe the gums to

see if any periodontal pockets exist, as this can a sign of

more severe periodontal conditions, if not treated early.

Also, the dentist will conduct an oral

cancer screening, soft tissue evaluation, and

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) exam. An inspection of

all existing restorations (ﬁllings and/or crowns) will be

performed to look for defects that may lead to decay.

The dentist also may evaluate and recommend

cosmetic alternatives that he/she may feel will improve

your esthetic appearance and smile. Assessment of the

occlusion for bite problems and an orthodontic screening

are also part of this thorough examination.

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Making members shine, one smile at a time www.libertydentalplan.com

2016 LIBERTY Dental Plan Your-First-Dental-Visit-English RN 05 2016