How will a dentist know if I need a root canal?
There are a couple of different ways to determine if a tooth needs a root canal. The most obvious sign is if there is decay that's already gotten into the nerve of the tooth. That tooth definitely needs a root canal. Sometimes we have to gauge the situation based on symptoms, because not every root canal is rotten because of a cavity. You can have hot and cold sensitivity and pain when chewing, which often indicates a crack into the tooth. Those cracks sometimes go into the nerve, and the only way you can treat them is through a root canal.
Are dental exams painful?
Dental exams are not painful.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my dental exam?
The best way to prepare for a dental exam is just really good home care. Making sure that you're brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once, and using mouth rinse to help kill bacteria in your mouth are all good guidelines.
How should I schedule an appointment for a dental exam?
To schedule for a dental exam, give us a call here, and we’ll be happy to help set you up for an appointment. If you have any additional questions, or if you're ready to schedule that dental exam, give us a call at (315) 630-3637.
What is the difference between a dental exam and a cleaning?
The difference between a dental exam and a dental cleaning is that the cleaning is done by the hygienist. He or she will remove any tartar, and any debris around your teeth, flush out any bacteria that gets into the gums, and floss and polish your teeth. A dental exam is done by your dentist, and they check for cavities, bone loss, gum health, and oral cancer. We also perform a head and neck exam to check for signs of any head and neck cancer. We examine your jaw joints to see if there's any shifting, any noises, or other issues. All of that is done during your dental exam.
How long does a full dental exam take?
The length of your dental exam depends on the type of exam you're in for. If you come in for your periodic cleanings and have a dental exam done at that time, it's usually pretty quick; within a couple of minutes, your exam will be completed. If you're coming in for a new patient exam, it can take a bit longer because we're gathering more information. Since you're new to us, and we're new to you, we take pictures, x-rays, and perform something called periodontal charting. We still do the full exam that you would see in your routine cleaning, including the oral cancer screening and checking for cavities, bone health, and performing a head and neck exam. This type of appointment can take about an hour to collect all the necessary information.
How often should you have a dental exam?
Most people should have a dental exam and cleaning every six months. Some patients require more frequent care because they build up more debris on their teeth in a shorter period of time, or they present with more bone loss. Those patients we want to see on a more frequent basis, sometimes three or even four times a year. However, even for those patients, we typically only do the dental exam twice a year.
How can a dentist tell if I have any cavities?
We can tell if you have cavities in a few different ways. Sometimes we see the cavity, sometimes we can feel the cavity, and other times we can't see or feel the cavity, but we detect it on an x-ray.
Do dentists fill cavities on the first visit?
Not typically. Usually, your first visit is for an exam and possibly a cleaning that day as well. During that time, we diagnose the cavity if there's one present. Typically, we schedule you back specifically with the doctor to address that cavity.
How will a dentist know if I need a root canal?
A dentist knows if you need a root canal through a few different methods. Sometimes we can see that the cavity in a tooth has reached the nerve, and if that's the case, then we definitely need a root canal. Other times, it's not always clear. Sometimes a root canal is needed even when there is no cavity. In those cases, we go by symptoms. Is there hot sensitivity? Is there cold sensitivity? Are you having pain when chewing that might indicate a crack in the tooth that's reaching the nerve? In these situations, we rely on symptoms.
Are dental exams painful?
Dental exams are not painful.