Dental Exams Salem OR

Older white patient sitting in dental chair at a dental exam with his female dentist at Oak Park Dental in Salem, OR

Have you ever wondered what's involved in a dental examination?

A dental exam is much more than just a quick look at your teeth. Instead, it's a thorough check-up of your oral health, aimed at preventing and detecting dental issues early on, when they are easily treatable.

Performed by trained dental professionals, this routine procedure helps safeguard your oral health and general well-being.

In the heart of Salem, OR, our dentists at Oak Park Dental offer comprehensive dental exams for both children and adults.

What is a Dental Exam?

If you're wondering what you can expect during a dental exam, here is the typical breakdown.

•	Review of dental and medical history: This is a crucial first step, as it helps the dentist understand any health issues or medications you may be taking that could impact your oral health.
•	Physical exam: In the next step, the dentist will perform a visual examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, jaw, and tongue. and gums. They will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential issues. The dentist may use a small mirror and a light to better see the back and sides of your teeth. X-rays or other diagnostic imaging may be part of a dental exam. These images allow the dentist to see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, identifying any hidden problems such as impacted teeth, abscesses, tumors, or bone loss.
•	Oral cancer screening: Another important part of a dental exam is the oral cancer screening. The dentist will check your neck, jaw, tongue, and the insides of your lips and cheeks for any signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer can manifest in a variety of ways. One of the most common signs is the development of sores, lumps, or thick patches anywhere in or around the mouth. These might be white or red and are often painless in the early stages.
•	Gum disease screening: Your dentist will check the depth of your gum pockets to identify any signs of gum disease. When gum disease sets in, these pockets tend to deepen. This happens because the bacteria that cause gum disease produce toxins that cause inflammation and erosion of the gum tissue, leading to the formation of deeper pockets. These deeper pockets are more difficult to clean and can harbor more bacteria, leading to a vicious cycle of worsening gum disease.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Another routine component of every dental exam is the professional cleaning.

Its purpose is intended to remove tartar and plaque that regular brushing and flossing can't tackle. Using a scaler, we will scrape off these deposits from the tooth surfaces and the gum line. We will then brush and floss your teeth, and offer a fluoride treatment.

Dental Exams in Salem oR

If it's been over six months since your last dental exam and cleaning, it's time to schedule your next appointment!

Preventive care is the best way to maintain a healthy mouth and a glowing smile!

In case you find yourself in a dental emergency, such as an infected or knocked out tooth, or tooth pain that won't go away, call our emergency dentist to schedule an appointment right away!

Serving Salem Keizer Community since 1987

We provide dental services for the entire family from children to older adults. Our entire team of caring Doctors, hygienists and support staff pride ourselves on a high level of patient care.

Using the latest in modern dental technology our services range from sealants to complex implant surgery. Our goal is a comfortable experience for our patients with beautiful results.

Smile more :-) Call today

(971) 600-0211

Located in the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley.

Convenient hours
Monday–Friday
7am–5pm
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3380 Astoria Way NE
Salem, OR 97305-2054

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(971) 600-0211

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Dental Exam Salem OR • Oak Park Dental
Ensure your oral health is in top condition with our thorough dental exams and cleanings in Salem, OR – call or visit today to schedule your appointment!
Oak Park Dental, 3380 Astoria Way NE, Salem, OR 97305 \ (971) 600-0211 \ salemsmiles.com \ 11/19/2024 \ Page Keywords: dentist Salem OR \