The Importance of Regular Dental Exams

When was the last time you visited the dentist? Although oral health is vital to your well-being, many Americans skip annual dental exams. Based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 62% of adults have visited a dentist within the last year. Now that it’s January, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your healthcare in the new year. One way to improve your well-being is to make dental exams a priority.

Why You Need Routine Dental Exams

We advise patients to visit Dr. Kevin Priest, Dr. Evan MacDonald, or Dr. Elsie Hinz every six months, but even one annual check-up with your dentist is better than none. A routine visit is far more than just ensuring you don’t have cavities. During this appointment, we perform X-rays and physical exams to check for signs of tooth decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.

Other procedures performed during a dental exam include:

• Oral cancer screening. We look for any symptoms of oral cancer by checking the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and gums for abnormalities.

• Gum disease screening. Our team checks for inflammation or discoloration, as well as receding gum lines, to determine if you are developing or currently have gingivitis or a more severe gum disease.

• Checking tooth alignment. Your exam includes assessing your current mouth structure to determine if the teeth are aligned properly and have not shifted during the last year.

• Restoration inspection. If you have had any dental restorations, such as implants, crowns, or bridges, we will closely inspect them to ensure they are in good condition.

Your Dental Cleaning

The cleaning is the most noteworthy part of any dental exam! Some patients love it, others not so much, but the importance of this service cannot be understated. Having routine cleanings not only rids your mouth of harmful bacteria but also removes plaque and tartar to prevent decay and disease.

At the end of your cleaning, we perform tooth polishing, which removes stains and plaque to give your smile a beautiful glow!

Book Your Next Appointment With Us

At Priest Dental, we proudly hold the title of Ashland’s “Best Dental Office.” We’re a dedicated team of dentists and dental hygiene professionals who love making each patient smile. Our goal is to make visiting the dentist fun. With personalized treatments and a comfortable office, you can feel good taking care of your teeth.

Curious about our practice? Read more about us! You can request an appointment online or give us a call at 419-289-1813.

We look forward to speaking with you!