Dental Exam

Regular dental exams are the foundation of any proper dental treatment and are crucial for maintaining good oral health. 

What is a Dental Exam?

A dental exam is a comprehensive check-up of your oral health. While many dentists recommend visiting at least twice a year for a comprehensive dental exam, your dentist may suggest more frequent exams based on your individual oral health needs. During a dental exam at Smiles of Chevy Chase, our doctors will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

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Overview

Regular dental exams are the foundation of any proper dental treatment and are crucial for maintaining good oral health. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a comprehensive dental exam. Chevy Chase preventive dentist Dr. Despina Markogiannakis and her our team offers comprehensive dental exams to understand and protect your smile. We’ve provided a complete guide to dental exams at Smiles of Chevy Chase, including why regular dental exams are important and what to expect during your visit.

Why are Dental Exams Important?

Regular dental exams are important for several reasons, including:

What To Expect During a Dental Exam

Here’s what you can usually expect during your routine dental exam at our Chevy Chase dental office:

Review of Your Medical History

Our team will, your Chevy Chase preventive dentist will review your medical history to identify any health conditions that may affect your oral health.

Examination of Your Teeth

Our team will examine each tooth individually to check for decay, cavities, and other issues.

Examination of Your Gums

We’ll examine your gums to check for signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding.

X-Rays

Our team may take digital X-rays to check for cavities and other issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Oral Cancer Screening

We will also perform an oral cancer screening to check for any possible signs of oral cancer, such as lesions or sores.

Follow-Up

If we don't identify any issues, then the only follow-up would be to continue a proper regimen of dental health along with attending annual dental exams and bi-annual dental cleanings. If Dr. Markogiannakis does see something that needs to be addressed, she’ll discuss your options and schedule a treatment.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are an important part of dental exams at Smiles of Chevy Chase. Oral cancer is classified by any abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, including the gums, jawbone, lips, tongue, throat, and salivary glands. During an oral cancer exam, we will examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer, such as lesions, sores, or lumps. If we detects any signs of oral cancer, we may recommend further testing or recommend you to a specialist such as an oncologist.

Oral Cancer Screening Methods

There are numerous methods for oral cancer screenings that the dentists can use during your dental exam. Common methods for oral cancer screenings include the following:

Risk Factors For Oral Cancer

It’s important to note that anyone can develop oral cancer, regardless of age or lifestyle habits. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing oral cancer, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental exams should not be painful, but some patients may experience discomfort during certain parts of the exam, such as when X-rays are taken. If you feel any pain during the exam, be sure to let your dentist know so they can address the issue.

The length of a dental exam can vary depending on your individual oral health needs. However, most dental exams typically take around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Your dentist will give you a better idea of how long your exam will take during your appointment.

To prepare for your dental exam, make sure to brush and floss your teeth before your appointment. It’s also helpful to bring a list of any medications you are currently taking and any questions you have for your dentist. This will help ensure that your dental exam is as thorough and efficient as possible.