Dental Exam
Dental Office in Encino, CA
Dental Exams
OVERVIEW
To keep yourself healthy, you should try to avoid dental issues and get diagnosed before they develop into painful conditions. These problems can be identified during a dental examination for yourself and your whole family. While the mouth is examined superficially in your bi-annual cleaning, a dental examination consists of a more thorough analysis. Dental examinations at The Dental Office Encino assess your oral and overall health, including tooth decay, your risk for disease, and signs of oral cancer. Board-certified dentists Drs. Alan or Yonatan Howard will determine your need for procedures and/or advanced restorations while also looking for problems with your bite and jaw. Digital images can be used for a better view of the hidden problems in your teeth, jawbone, and gums. If you live near Encino, CA make an appointment for a dental examination at The Dental Office Encino.
ORAL CANCER SCREENING
Oral cancer is an abnormal cell growth in any area of the mouth, including the gums, lips, jawbone, tongue, salivary glands, and throat. Each exam at The Dental Office Encino will include screening for oral cancer to check for any symptoms including inflammation, sores, lesions, and lumps. Dr. Alan or Yonatan Howard will also feel your jaw and throat for abnormal growths. Should any areas of concern be discovered, a biopsy can be done or you may be referred to a specialist.
DENTAL EXAM REVIEWS
BEST CANDIDATES FOR DENTAL EXAM
Encino, CA residents of every age should get an annual examination. Some of the most common issues like periodontal disease (the top reason for tooth loss) may not have signs you will be able to see. If issues are noticed early, you will have more treatment options and a better chance at a full recovery.
The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that babies visit a dentist before they turn one. Dr. Alan or Yonatan Howard can talk about common concerns including teething, using pacifiers, and baby bottle tooth decay. Our team at The Dental Office Encino can talk to you about ways to clean and care for your baby’s oral health so they develop good habits early in life. Dental examinations are also vital for older children as their teeth develop. Even though baby teeth fall out, Dr. Howard will look for issues with development in the jaw and gums.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your exam will begin with a cursory evaluation of your teeth, tongue, gums, throat, inside your cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and other checkpoints. This includes checking for symptoms of oral cancer. Dr. Alan or Yonatan Howard or a member of their team may take digital images and check for abnormal gum tissue. Dr. Howard will evaluate your neck, head, and jaw, including your bite and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). He will then discuss any issues discovered and your treatment options. Dr. Howard will go over any other concerns you may have, prescriptions and supplements you are taking, and if they might affect your dental health by causing tooth decay or dry mouth. Lastly, he will check any restorations you have, such as crowns and dentures, to assess the wear and fit.
FOLLOW-UP
How soon you need to return will be based on the results of your exam. If Dr. Howard doesn’t find any concerns, then you can follow a regular dental health regimen with flossing and brushing every day, plus yearly dental examinations and twice yearly professional cleanings at The Dental Office Encino. If Dr. Howard does find anything that needs treatment, procedures can be reviewed and planned.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Since a dental exam is important to your health, it’s frequently covered by insurance. We can contact your insurance to calculate your coverage and any personal expenses. If you don’t have insurance, The Dental Office Encino takes several payments, including medical financing. Dr. Howard can work with you to help you afford good dental health.
ANNUAL DENTAL EXAMS
Keeping your mouth healthy means you can’t go to the dentist only when something is wrong. You need to seek preventive care. This may save your mouth from problems, plus a lot of money and time. We suggest appointments with Drs. Alan or Yonatan Howard at The Dental Office Encino once a year for a dental exam. This can help you to minimize concerns by treating them in the early stages. We try very hard to make dental visits a pleasant experience for all patients so it’s easier to keep yourself healthy. Contact our team in Encino, CA to schedule your dental exam.
