Dental Exams at MA Dental
My name is Dr. Martina Assad. I am the owner and dentist of MA Dental. Today, I am here to answer some of the questions about dental exams.
What is the difference between a dental cleaning and a dental exam?
We get this question daily. The exam is the first step when you enter our practice, and it's quite comprehensive. It usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
We check the jaw, head, and neck and perform a cancer screening. Then we examine your gums and any previous treatment you may have received elsewhere. We then come up with a comprehensive treatment plan customized for you.
A cleaning involves spending time to clean what is there after confirming the diagnosis. A full exam typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient.
How often is the exam done?
We usually recommend an annual recare exam, which is a mini version of a comprehensive examination. The first step is a comprehensive exam for a brand-new patient, but yearly exams should occur once a year, and for children, we recommend every six months.
How can I tell if the patient has cavities?
I usually take a look at the X-rays and try to show the patient. Cavities typically appear as gray or black shadows and are not necessarily uniform. After that, I examine the patient’s mouth, confirm with symptoms, and perform a visual examination before merging all the information together.
Do dentists fill cavities on their very first visit?
We first determine if you, as a patient, have cavities. If time allows, we certainly try to accommodate. If not, we make the appropriate arrangements for you.
How would the dentist know if the patient needs a root canal or not?
We usually consider the patient's chief complaint. A nerve issue is often quite painful, waking you up at night and making it difficult to function during the day without taking pain relief every six hours. This is when the patient knows they should visit the office to address the issue.
Are dental exams really painful?
This is another question we often receive, and the answer is absolutely not. Exams should be easy and help break the ice with new patients. We aim to provide friendly and comprehensive care.
What should the patient prepare or do before they come in?
Another great point to discuss is what patients should prepare or do before visiting. We usually send out forms via text message or email. It helps a lot if patients can fill them out beforehand so we can get to know them and be as accurate and honest as possible. This makes the visit much quicker and smoother.
How do I schedule an appointment for a dental exam?
It's quite simple. You can either call us at (951) 467-4399, and our receptionist will be happy to schedule you, or you can email us at [email protected], and we'll be more than happy to help.
At MA Dental, your dental health is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (951) 467-4399, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!