Dental Exam in Spring, TX

A healthy smile can often be a sign of an overall healthy lifestyle. Good oral health helps you speak and eat comfortably and also contributes to your general health and wellness. Staying current with your yearly dental exams can help you keep your smile healthy and looking great. Our expert dentist and team can catch dental issues as early as possible in these regular visits, helping you prevent the need for more extensive care later on. At Made Ya Smile Rayford, we screen for oral cancer, tooth decay, TMJ problems, gum (periodontal) disease, and other concerns that might be affecting your health and smile. We also evaluate your jawbones, joints, and your bite (how your upper and lower teeth fit together) to see if everything is functioning well.

We'll listen closely to you and give you our undivided attention during your dental exam, in order to better understand your unique dental health. We use low-radiation digital x-rays and intraoral photos, taking a minimally invasive approach to diagnostic care while we examine areas of concern that are not otherwise apparent during a clinical examination. At our Spring, TX office, we want you to get the best possible dental care for you and your family. We invite you to call today to schedule your next dental exam.

During your yearly exam, our highly-trained, compassionate team looks closely for symptoms of oral cancer. When screening for oral cancer, we watch for suspicious or abnormal areas in your mouth that might indicate the presence of precancerous or cancerous concerns. We check the tongue, throat area, floor of the mouth, cheeks, lips, and hard and soft palates and also palpate the salivary gland and soft tissues of the face and neck. A biopsy may be performed if there are any lesions, white or red patches or lumps, nodules, sores, or raised or irregular areas. We may consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine future treatment options if necessary.

Patients of every age should undergo a comprehensive dental exam every year. It's common to have your dental exam performed during one of your biannual dental cleanings. Our dentist adheres to the American Dental Association's (ADA) recommendation that children should visit the dentist for the first time prior to turning a year old. At this initial visit, we can give you information on thumb-sucking habits, baby bottle tooth decay, the use of pacifiers, and show you how to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy while their jaw develops. We enjoy treating kids and helping parents start them off right on their journey toward a healthy adult smile.

We'll look for common dental issues during your exam like gum disease, bite problems, tooth decay, and loose or damaged restorations. You may not feel discomfort for some of these symptoms, as will gum disease, but they may still affect your smile. Early diagnosis and treatment are possible with regular dental exams, thereby reducing the need for complex care, keeping your smile comfortable, and giving you optimal oral health.

Your medical history, dental concerns, health changes, and notes on any medication or supplements will be taken as a part of your comprehensive dental exam. Our dentist will look at how your jaw joints function (TMJ), check your bite, and provide an oral cancer exam. Each individual tooth will be examined for damage or decay, and we'll check for loose fillings, bridges, crowns, implants, or other previous restorations. We'll also check for gum disease and identify any areas that show signs of periodontal (gum) disease.

Once per year, we take digital x-rays to review the health of your jawbone that supports your teeth. We use these images in conjunction with your gum disease screening results for diagnosing periodontal disease. Your x-rays can also show cysts or abscesses in the bone or other areas of decay we cannot see visually, like those underneath fillings or between teeth. At Made Ya Smile, we will only take x-rays when necessary and use low-radiation digital methods to minimize your exposure and improve safety. We may also use an intraoral camera to capture images of hard-to-see areas of your mouth so we can better identify your treatment needs. We'll share the results of your completed annual dental exam and go over treatment recommendations necessary for your dental health.

In most cases, patients will undergo a dental examination at the same time as their biannual dental cleaning appointment. For some patients, more frequent exams or cleanings may be recommended, depending on the state of their oral health. Nevertheless, it is important for all patients to stick to a proper home oral care routine, including daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use. Our dentist and team can work with you to provide a customized oral hygiene plan to help you maintain your oral health at home. Our goal at Made Ya Smile Rayford is to allow you to receive long-term optimal oral health for a healthy, confident smile.

Generally, annual dental exams are covered by dental insurance as a part of your preventive care services. The team at Made Ya Smile Rayford will reach out to your provider to determine your list of benefits. Out-of-pocket expenses, such as for patients not using dental insurance, will be presented to you along with our flexible options for payment. We want every member of your family to get the care they need for a healthy smile. To make needed care affordable, we accept most PPO plans and third-party financing through CareCredit®.

How long will my dental exam take?
Your dental exam at our Spring, TX office should take between 30 – 60 minutes depending on the condition of your teeth and mouth. If there are a lot of changes since your last visit, your exam may take a little longer so we can ascertain the proper course of treatment.

Are dental exams painful?
Exams generally do not cause significant discomfort. We utilize the latest techniques and technologies during these dental checkups to help you remain as comfortable as possible while getting excellent care.

What should I do to prepare for a dental exam?
Before your dental exam, we suggest brushing your teeth and avoiding foods and beverages about an hour beforehand. It might be wise to write down any questions or concerns you have so you can bring them up with our team while you're here. It's also vital to maintain a good oral hygiene routine between your appointments, including brushing and flossing twice a day.

To keep your smile healthy for a lifetime, it's important to keep up with annual dental exams. Symptoms of dental problems may not be obvious, but a dentist can identify concerns with your gums, teeth, and oral tissues early and save you money and discomfort over the long-term. Contact Made Ya Smile in Spring, TX to set an appointment with our dentist for the preventive care your family needs, and reserve your comprehensive dental exams today.