fact:
Regular visits to
your dentist
ensures oral
health
For your rst 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, nd 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 lms
(including bitewing and 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 magnication,
thereby allowing the dentist to show you a magnied
view of any decayed teeth, cracked llings, and/or other
signicant problems that need to be discussed.
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 (llings and/or crowns) will be
performed to look for defects that may lead to decay.
control of their diabetes.
© 2020 LIBERTY Dental Plan What-to-Expect-at-Your-First-Dental-Visit-Eng RN 01 2020
What to Expect
at Your First
Dental Visit
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