A lot of the time, it’s hard to get patients excited about dental checkups. They sometimes feel like they’re going through the motions, or like they’re going through some effort for what feels like no tangible benefit.
However, the truth is that there’s a lot more that goes on at a regular checkup than you might be aware of, especially if you haven’t been to one in a while. Here are a few things that happen during your typical dental exam that you might not have keyed in to.
The Oral Cancer Exam
Oral cancer is a serious and, unfortunately, quite common problem. It afflicts tens of thousands of Americans each year, and as with any kind of cancer, catching it early gives you the best chance of effectively treating the condition.
That’s why an oral cancer exam is a part of every single dental checkup. That said, it happens so fast that you may not have taken note of it. Your dentist examines the inside of your mouth and then checks the neck for any protrusions. It takes seconds, but it’s arguably one of the most important parts of a regular checkup.
Taking a Look at the Temporomandibular Joint
Most people have probably never heard of the temporomandibular joint, much less know what it looks like to examine one. These are the small joints that connect the jaw to the rest of the face, which makes them critical to your overall oral health.
Misalignment of the temporomandibular joint can cause jaw pain and chronic teeth grinding, but it may also lead to seemingly strange symptoms, like vertigo. For that reason, checking for proper alignment is deeply important.
Teaching Solid Dental Hygiene
Nobody necessarily likes being told what to do, but it’s important to keep in mind that your dentist’s instructions are critical to maintaining your oral health. Moreover, good dentists will make educating patients about their teeth a pleasant and rewarding experience.
You may not always need a reminder, but if there are parts of your dental hygiene that you aren’t sure about, you can always ask a professional for advice on how to brush and floss properly.
About Our Practice
At Lake Boone Dentistry Raleigh, we believe in treating our patients like family. That means not only treating their oral health problems, but also getting to know them as individuals. This gives us a unique ability to adapt our treatments to the individual needs of our patients, and to keep them comfortable for the duration of their stay with us. Whether you’re just here for a checkup or for serious restorative treatment, we’ll make you feel welcome.
If you have any questions about a checkup, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (919) 781-8610.