Our Services
Dental exams, proudly offered by Lake Michigan Family Dental, are integral components of preventive dental care. If it's been some time since you've seen a dentist or if you're preparing for your first appointment, here's what you can expect!
How Often Should You Schedule a Dental Exam?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. Patients with healthy teeth and gums generally require routine appointments twice a year, while those with gum disease or who are at a higher risk of developing cavities often need more frequent dental care. After evaluating your oral health, we'll recommend the frequency of visits you require to maintain your oral health.
What Happens During a New Patient Dental Exam?
Your first visit to our office includes a detailed and extensive evaluation of every aspect of your oral health to provide a baseline for future recommendations and treatment plans. Before we start your comprehensive exam, we will discuss your dental and medical history as well as current concerns.
Here's what you can expect during your new patient comprehensive dental exam:
- Digital Dental X-Rays: Full mouth x-rays help uncover problems not visible during a physical exam. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series of x-rays every three years.
- Tooth By Tooth Examination: We will evaluate the health of each tooth and determine the condition of your teeth to see if you are at risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. We will also examine your restorations to ensure they are functional and free of damage.
- Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation: We will evaluate your gum health to rule out gum inflammation or infection, which can result in a host of oral and overall health conditions. Early detection of gum disease ensures the best treatment outcomes.
- Bite Analysis: We will evaluate your bite (occlusion) to rule out any abnormalities. Bite problems, left untreated, can result in complications, including excessive tooth wear, loose teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
- Oral Cancer Screening: We will evaluate your oral cavity and the surrounding muscles to rule out abnormalities. The earliest possible intervention of oral cancer ensures best possible outcomes.
What Happens During a Routine Preventive Dental Exam?
Similar to your new patient exam, we will thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your oral health and take dental x-rays, as needed, to visualize any potential problems. We may also clean your teeth to lower your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Routine dental exams are necessary to prevent the onset and progression of dental disease for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What Happens After a Dental Exam?
After completing your dental exam and cleaning, we will discuss our findings to allow you to make informed decisions about your dental care. We will create a customized treatment plan, including any immediate needs or preventive procedures you require for ongoing oral health.
Preventive Dental Exams Near Me in Norton Shores, MI
We, at Lake Michigan Family Dental in Norton Shores, MI invite you to schedule your new patient or routine preventive dental exam. Our outstanding team is here to support your oral health every step of the way!
We invite you to call 231-798-9911 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!