Dental Hygiene/Exams

If you have been told that it is time for your next dental hygiene exam, you might wonder what it entails. At Hart Dental Group, we provide our patients with thorough dental exams in Upper Arlington to make sure we catch potential issues with their smiles, and we would love to do the same for you.

Why Are Regular Dental Exams Important?

Dental exams are important for a number of reasons. They include:

• They allow us to detect problems early, which means that the treatment process is more effective and less expensive.
• We can detect more serious medical conditions that first show symptoms in your mouth.
• Because some dental issues do not cause any symptoms at first, we can catch them before they get worse.
• Dental exams allow us to help you improve your oral hygiene habits and prevent future problems from developing. 

At Hart Dental Group, we recommend that all of our patients schedule a visit for a dental exam twice per year. 

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

Dr. Hart wants to provide you with a comprehensive dental exam, so several steps are involved: 

Checking Your Enamel

We examine your enamel thoroughly to ensure there are no issues that must be addressed. If there are signs of oral decay or if your dentin and enamel are getting soft, we may recommend dietary changes or sealants. If there is a cavity present, we may recommend that you fill it as quickly as possible. 

Examining Your Gums

In addition to checking the health of your teeth, we also examine your gums. Some signs that you could have gingivitis or periodontitis include swelling, redness, and sores in the gums. We also measure the size of the periodontal pockets, which is the space between the gum line and the soft tissue responsible for keeping your teeth in place. If the pockets have enlarged, it could be a sign of gum disease.

Checking Your Jaw

Your jaw is responsible for ensuring that your teeth are properly aligned. We check for alignment issues that need to be addressed. If you have any jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness, it could be a sign that you have TMJ dysfunction, and we can review treatment options with you. 

Looking for Signs of Oral Cancer

We provide you with a thorough oral cancer screening during your exam. Some of the earliest signs of oral cancer may not be noticed by the patient, but a professional outside observer may be able to spot signs of mouth or throat cancer before they get worse. Some signs we look for include ulcers, sores, lesions, and blocked salivary glands. If we notice any lumps or bumps, we will let you know. 

Dental X-Rays

We will not order X-rays at every visit, but we may recommend a set of X-rays to ensure we do not miss anything. X-rays allow us to look underneath the surface and identify potential issues that may have otherwise been overlooked. 

Contact Hart Dental Group Today To Schedule Your Next Dental Exam

At Hart Dental Group, we believe that a comprehensive dental exam is important for your oral and overall health. We encourage you to call our office to schedule a dental exam at least twice a year. That way, we can protect your oral health and catch any issues before they get out of hand. 

Dr. Hart’s painless, skillful, and deft touch is perfect for not only addressing your oral health needs but also keeping you comfortable. Call us today at (614) 486-1123, and let us care for your oral health.