Start the Year Off Right With a Dental Exam

With a new year comes another opportunity to start fresh. For many people, taking charge of their health and wellness is a primary goal around this time of year. While adopting a healthier diet and more active lifestyle is certainly encouraged, it is also important to address your oral and dental health. At Awesome Smiles in El Paso, TX, Dr. Tracy Provenghi and our caring team are dedicated to helping you get the beautiful, functional, and virtually pain-free smile you deserve with a complete range of dental services, starting with comprehensive dental exams. Here, you’ll find helpful information on the benefits of biannual dental exams, what to expect during your dental exam, and why there’s no better time than the present to schedule your appointment.

Who needs a dental exam?

Everyone should visit their dentist regularly for dental exams and in-office cleanings, which are generally recommended twice per year. Most providers even recommend that children have their first dental visit before the age of one, as this gives the dentist an opportunity to identify any potential developmental or structural issues before they progress. Patients with a complex dental history, oral conditions or abnormalities, certain dental appliances, and other specific issues or concerns may need to undergo dental exams or imaging studies more often.

What happens during a dental exam?

Because each person’s mouth, teeth, and overall needs are unique, we customize our dental exams and treatments accordingly. Generally speaking, a routine dental exam may include:

• Review of previous dental records and/or x-rays
• Review of oral/dental health history since the previous visit
• Discussion of concerns, aesthetic goals, etc.
• Assessment of overall dental and oral health
• Evaluation for signs of oral cancer
• Periodontal exam for gum disease
• Cavity/tooth decay check

In many cases, dental exams are scheduled at the same time as your twice-yearly dental cleaning. On certain occasions, you may need updated dental x-rays, which can be performed right in our office. Based on the findings of the dental exam and/or x-rays, a minor dental treatment or procedure may be performed on the same day if needed. Should a more extensive issue be identified, our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan and schedule you for a subsequent appointment.

What’s the best time to get a dental exam?

It’s never too early or too late to establish a relationship with a dentist and begin biannual exams and cleanings. For many people, visiting the dentist around the holidays or the new year – and then again in the summer – is convenient and easy to remember. But no matter what time of year it is, scheduling your dental check-up and cleaning is one of the best ways to ensure a consistently healthy, beautiful, and functional smile.

Been putting off the dentist? Kick off the new year the right way with a dental exam in El Paso, TX

As you begin setting your dreams and goals for the new year, consider adding a dental exam to your list. With a comprehensive dental exam at Awesome Smiles, you can finally take charge of your oral health and tackle any concerns you may have been putting off. Take the first step toward a healthier smile today by calling to schedule your dental exam with top El Paso, TX dentist Dr. Tracy Provenghi.