Casa Dental Checkup

Many people think a routine dental checkup is just for cleaning, yet there are a lot of things your dentist checks during your visit. 

Learn about these things and what to ask your dentist next time you go for a checkup. In this article, we will also take a brief look at the newest dental technology.

Examining your gums

During your dental checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of problems. In some cases, this examination can reveal early signs of gum disease. 

Your dentist will measure the amount of gingival pocket, look for swelling, and check for cavities. If the dentist detects problems, they may recommend a dental procedure or a special toothpaste. You may also be referred to a periodontist to treat gum disease.

In addition to looking for inflammation and redness of the gums, your dentist will also look for any lesions. 

Further, your dentist will measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, the spaces between your gums, and the attachment point of your teeth. Typically, periodontal pockets are between one and three millimeters deep, but anything deeper than this indicates gum disease. If you have not had regular dental cleanings, often plaque buildup can contribute to gum disease.

Examining Your Temporomandibular Joint

Your dentist will examine your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) at your checkup to determine if it is functioning properly. This complex joint connects your lower jawbone to your skull and guides it while opening and closing your mouth. He or she will ask you to open and close your mouth and move your lower jaw from side to side. Your dentist may also touch the joint, feeling for any catches or hitches while opening and closing your mouth. A TMJ examination can detect any issues in the joint, including pain in the jaw.

Examining your temporomandibular joint during your checkup is a key part of your overall dental care. Your dentist will evaluate for a range of signs and symptoms of TMD, (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction). The dentist may also perform an otoscope examination of the tympanic membrane or external auditory canal. If you experience hearing changes along with TMJ symptoms, a hearing test may be performed. Auscultation of the joint is a crucial part of the examination. You may be able to hear a popping or clicking sound when the joint moves.

Checking for oral cancer

When you go for a routine dental checkup, ask your doctor about screening for oral cancer. This test is quick, painless, and often free. It uses specialized equipment to detect even the slightest changes in tissue. By catching these changes early, it can protect your health. Casa Dental specializes in oral cancer screening. Dr. Kevin Huang and his team can perform a thorough exam using their specialized equipment.

The basic screening for oral cancer involves a visual and tactile exam. The dentist looks for signs of cancerous or precancerous tissue, and any irregularities that may be a sign of a problem. It should take less than five minutes. If there is a suspicious area, a biopsy is recommended for proper diagnosis. Fortunately, most cancers are treatable and curable.

The Newest Dental Technology

The newest dental technology can result in a more beautiful smile. With CAD/CAM technology, dentists can precisely place an implant and predetermine soft tissue augmentation. Computer-guided surgery allows dentists to use chairside technology to create an implant that matches the color of other teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth, correct spacing, and even prevent jawbone loss. 

Laser technology uses light to deliver energy to teeth and has many benefits for dentists. A laser is more effective than a drill and can be used to remove tooth decay and prepare the surrounding enamel for filling. 

The laser can also remove a small piece of tissue for biopsy or remove a lesion. Using lasers in dentistry is also useful in the treatment of gum tissue and can be used to recontour soft tissues. This makes it possible to treat diseases like periodontal disease, which is associated with gum tissue overgrowth.

The VELscope is another example of cutting-edge dental technology. It works by utilizing an incandescent light to identify abnormalities and helps dentists determine how much-diseased tissue surrounding a lesion is necessary for surgical excision. A similar system, called ViziLite, is a painless screening device that identifies abnormalities in patients who are at an increased risk of oral cancer.