Dental Exam in Gainesville, VA

A healthy, confident smile is a key component of enjoying a healthy lifestyle. To keep your mouth in top shape, it is important to stay proactive in maintaining your oral hygiene and having any dental problems diagnosed and treated before they become greater concerns. A comprehensive dental examination evaluates your total oral health by screening for gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, oral hygiene, and other dental issues. At Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics, we recommend dental exams for you and your family on a regular basis. During your dental exams, our skilled and experienced team will also evaluate your overall bite and jaw joints and take low-radiation x-rays to check for hidden areas of decay, bone loss, and additional dental concerns. Give your family the benefit of healthy, happy smiles and schedule your dental examinations with our team at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics in Gainesville, VA today.

An important part of a dental exam, an oral cancer screening evaluates for suspicious, precancerous, and cancerous lesions in the mouth. Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the oral cavity, including the gums, cheeks, tongue, lips, jaw throat, salivary glands, soft and hard palates, and the floor of the mouth. We will palpate the soft tissue of the mouth and neck and visually screen for any abnormal or irregular tissues. If we find any areas of concern, our team may perform a biopsy or refer you to an oral surgery specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

The Atlas Walk team recommends that patients of all ages receive an annual dental examination to identify any treatment concerns and to keep good oral hygiene. Our team is very thorough and routinely screens for problems like gum disease and tooth decay during dental exams. Certain dental issues may not initially present with symptoms or may develop with signs that are difficult to notice. Gum disease, for instance, is a common condition that typically does not cause pain. The earlier we can identify and treat any dental conditions, the greater the treatment options and opportunity to enjoy a healthy smile over the long-term.

The American Dental Association (ADA) and our dentists recommend that children have their first dental visit before turning a year old. Our team can address concerns like baby bottle tooth decay, using pacifiers, and teething and offer oral hygiene tips on how to keep your children’s teeth and gums clean on a daily basis. Helping your children establish good oral care habits early in life can create a foundation for lasting oral health. Dental exams are very important to maintain as your child's jaw develops.

Our doctors will start your dental exam by reviewing your medical and dental histories and any medications or supplements that you may be taking. We will then evaluate your teeth, soft tissues, jaw joints, and bite (how your upper and lower teeth fit together) and check the integrity and fit of any fillings, crowns, bridges, or other restorations you may have. We will also look for any tissue abnormalities or signs of oral cancer. Digital x-rays may be taken to allow us to assess your jawbone health and internal portions of your teeth. A periodontal (gum disease) screening will also be conducted, which our doctors will use along with your x-rays to determine if the condition is present in any area of your mouth. Once we have completed your exam, our team will review our findings and present treatment options if necessary. In some cases, we may take intra-oral pictures of areas that require treatment to help you better understand your treatment needs.

To maintain oral hygiene and provide the proper care for your smile, we typically recommend that patients have dental exams on a yearly basis along with bi-annual dental cleanings. However, we may suggest more frequent exams or cleanings depending on your individual oral health needs. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy between visits is very important to your smile. Our friendly team will spend time to provide individual oral hygiene instructions for brushing and flossing to help you maintain a clean mouth on a daily basis. Performing good home care techniques can help to minimize your treatment needs over the long-term. If you have any additional treatment needs, our team will be sure to review those with you and schedule your procedures accordingly.

Dental exams are a vital part of a preventive care plan and typically covered under dental insurance benefits. A member of our business staff will review your specific insurance plan and determine any personal expenses. If you are not using dental insurance, we will be happy to review our convenient payment options and work with you to make sure your care is affordable. Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics also accepts third-party patient financing to help you get the treatment your family needs for healthy smiles.

Even if you are not noticing any signs or symptoms or oral problems, it still important to have your teeth, gums, and oral hygiene evaluated on a regular basis. Regular preventive care can allow us to identify dental concerns early on, minimize your treatment needs, and save you time and money in the long run. Our team at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics is proud to make receiving dental care a fun, positive experience for patients of all ages. Contact our Gainesville, VA office today to schedule your dental exam.