Overview
When it comes to your health, you should try to avoid dental issues by getting diagnosed before they develop into more severe conditions. These problems can be identified during an annual dental exam for yourself and your whole family. While the mouth is superficially examined in your bi-annual cleaning, an exam consists of a more thorough analysis. Dental examinations at My Island Dental evaluate your general health and your oral health, including tooth decay, root decay, signs of cancer, and gum/bone disease risk. Dr. Huy Tran assesses your need for procedures and/or dental restorations while also looking for problems with your bite and jaw. Digital images will also be used for a better view of the hidden problems in your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you live near Merritt Island, FL, make an appointment for an annual dental examination for yourself and your family at My Island Dental.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, including the lips, gums, jawbone, salivary glands, tongue, and throat. Each dental exam at My Island Dental will include screening for oral cancer to check for any symptoms including inflammation, sores, lesions, and lumps. Dr. Tran will also feel your throat and jaw for abnormal growths. Should any areas of concern be discovered, a biopsy can be done or you may need care from a specialist.
Best Candidates for Dental Exam
Merritt Island, FL residents of every age should have an annual dental exam. Many people are lulled into a sense of complacency when they don’t have pain in their teeth or gums. Some of the most common problems such as periodontal disease (the top reason for tooth loss) don’t have signs you can notice. If problems are caught early, the better your chances will be for a successful treatment with less invasive options.
The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that all children visit a dentist before they turn one. A dentist can talk about common issues including teething, baby bottle tooth decay, and the use of pacifiers. Our team at My Island Dental can help you understand ways to clean and care for your baby’s oral health so they develop good habits early in life. Dental examinations are also important for older children as their teeth develop. Even though baby teeth fall out, Dr. Tran will look for issues with development in the jaw and gums.
What To Expect
Your dental examination will begin with an initial assessment of your gums, teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, inside your cheeks, throat, and other checkpoints. This includes checking for symptoms of oral cancer throughout your mouth. Dr. Tran or a member of his team may take x-rays and check for abnormal gum tissue. Dr. Tran will evaluate your neck, head, and jaw, including the bite and temporomandibular joints (TMJ) while discussing anything discovered and how to best treat it. Dr. Tran will go over any other problems you may have, medications 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 dentures or bridges, to assess the wear and fit.
Follow-Up
The follow-up period of an exam will be based on the results of your exam. If Dr. Tran doesn’t find any issues, then you can follow a regimen of dental health with flossing and brushing every day, plus yearly dental examinations and twice yearly professional cleanings at My Island Dental. If Dr. Tran does find a concern that needs to be addressed, procedures can be reviewed and planned.
Insurance Coverage
Since a dental exam is vital to your oral health, it’s typically covered by insurance. We can work with your dental insurance company to determine your coverage and any personal expenses. If you don’t have insurance, My Island Dental takes several payments, including medical financing. Dr. Tran is happy to work with you to help you afford good dental health.
Annual Dental Exams
Having a healthy mouth means you can’t go to the dentist only when something starts hurting. Preventive care is vital. This may save your teeth, plus a lot of money. We suggest seeing Dr. Huy Tran at My Island Dental every year for a dental exam. This can help you to minimize issues by catching and treating them in the early stages. We do our best to make dental exams a pleasant experience for you and your family so staying healthy is easier. Contact our team in Merritt Island, FL to schedule your appointment.
