Maintain Routine Dental Exams and X-Rays with Our Austin Dentist
Dental exams and x-rays are typically performed following the completion of your routine dental cleaning. Dr. Dimple Sharma will exam many aspects of the teeth, gums, jawbone and surrounding structures in order to ensure that your oral health is satisfactory. These dental exams and x-rays can help to avoid the financial burden of expensive dental treatments later on. Similar to dental cleanings, the Academy of General Dentistry recommends twice yearly checkups for people of all ages.
What to expect
Dr. Sharma will first examine your mouth visually by using dental equipment such as mirrors, assorted dental tools, and high-intensity lights. She will look for cracked and decayed teeth, as well as review other important items including:
- Patient medical history in order to assess how any new medical conditions or illnesses may affect your oral health
- Examine for tooth decay and cracked teeth
- Perform an oral cancer screening of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums
- Evaluate your mouth for signs of gum disease
- Examine any existing restorations, current fillings, and crowns in order to make sure they are in good order
Following the visual exam, our Austin dentist will take diagnostic x-rays in order to see any other hidden problems below the gum line. There are two types of x-rays that are alternated according to year. Bitewing x-rays are typically taken every 12 months, which reveal the upper and lower back teeth. These x-rays are normally used for revealing signs of tooth decay and severe bone loss.
Panographic x-rays, which revolve around the head, are typically taken every 3 to 5 years. These x-rays show a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area, and temporomandibular (jaw) joints. While these x-rays do not reveal cavities and tooth decay, they are important for revealing impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths (tumors), infections, and jaw fractures.
