6 Major Dental Concerns Shoreview Dentist Looks For

Are you going to a new dentist?

Did you just move to the area and need a new dentist? Perhaps you just got dental insurance and you have not been to the dentist in a long time. Maybe you don’t like the dentist you have and you decided to switch to another one. Did you break a tooth and need a dental implant? Do you have anxiety of what the dentist is going to look for? In this article we will discuss what Shoreview, MN dentist; Dr. Boulos looks for on your first dental visit.

Your Check-up Starts With A Good Cleaning

Have you ever wondered what the dental hygienist is looking for as she cleans your teeth? A good cleaning gets rid of the hard calculus (tartar) from above and below the gum line. Dental plaque comes from bacteria that lives in your mouth and collects on the surface of your teeth as a soft clear coating. Without regular visits this thick coating will eventually cause damage to the teeth and cause cavities. 

She also looks for gum inflammation or bone loss, and evaluates your risk for developing tooth decay. She also checks your face, mouth, and neck for abnormalities. This may include x-rays or other diagnostic tests to prepare you for your exam with Dr. Boulos. Dr. Boulos will read the x-rays and if she finds oral cancer concerns he will look at this in more detail during his examination.

During your cleaning is an excellent time to discuss your diet and oral health habits. You need to let her know any medical changes, your medications, and if you use tobacco. She might need to go over brushing and flossing techniques. If needed, she may discuss the consequence of tooth loss, benefits of crowns or bridges, use of dentures, and if you need cosmetic procedures. Next, you will see Dr. Boulos.

Check out this video on, "What to expect on your first visit to the dentist?"

Dental Concern #1 - Oral Symptoms

This is your chance to tell Dr. Boulos any oral symptoms you have. Are your teeth sensitive, do you have a taste disorder or can you feel lumps in your mouth? This can help him better diagnose your dental conditions. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about your oral health.

Do you fear you have a particular disease or condition? He can look for signs of the disease or set your mind at ease. Often just talking about it or other fears will take put your mind at ease. Also, go over your new medications and all the over-the-counter medications you take.

Dental Concern #2 - Pain

If you have a toothache, describe what the pain feels like.  How long has your tooth been hurting? Is the pain severe, sharp, constant, dull, and throbbing or only noticed when there is pressure on it like when you're biting? Is it sensitive to hot or cold? Is there swelling or redness around your tooth or the jaw line? Is there a foul drainage that may indicate that your tooth maybe infected? Are you having a fever, earache, or a swollen neck? Is there a problem opening the mouth wide?

Dental Concern #3 - Grinding

Are you grinding your teeth? Since most grinding occurs during your sleep, unless a loved one complains of hearing your grinding, you might not even know you grinding. Symptoms of buxism (teeth grinding) are dull constant headaches, a tender or a sore jaw.  Grinding can be caused by stress, anxiety, an abnormal bite, a missing tooth, or a crooked tooth. Left untreated it can result in a hearing loss, TMD/TMJ, and even changes to your face.

Dental Concern #4 - Oral Cancer Screening Exam

This includes a simple visual exam of the soft tissues for any apparent lesions, lumps, discolorations or areas of concern. He will look at your tongue, roof of your mouth and lips. If Dr. Boulos finds an unusual spot he may refer you to an oral surgeon or get a biopsy of the area to send to a lab for review. He may also use a rinse with dye and a special light shinning in your mouth for a closer look at unhealthy areas on the tissue.

Dental Concern #5 - Cavities

What is that tool that Dr. Boulos goes over every tooth with? It is an instrument called the explorer. He is looking for decay, gum recession, areas of concern, presence of bacteria that causes bad breath, and the margins around fillings or crowns. Then he used the DIAGNOdent to detect cavities and decay. Cavities cause damage within the tooth and are common in tooth disease. When food is caught between teeth and combined with saliva and bacteria in your mouth, the plaque grows sugar bacteria acids that dissolves tooth enamel and ends up with a cavity. Usually you wait until the next appointment to drill out the decay and give it a filling.

Dental Concern #6 - Gum Condition

Why does Dr. Boulos look at your gums for redness or puffiness and check for canker sores? Your gums protect the base of your teeth where connective tissues anchor them to the bone. Three risks of having problems with your gums are smoking, diabetes and genetics. Gum problems can lead to tooth loss.  70% of gum disease is gingivitis and 30% is periodontitis. If at the gum line bacteria is collecting in tiny pockets causing inflammation this is gingivitis. When gums are brushed they may bleed or may cause you to have constant bad breath.  Periodonitis is caused when gingivitis goes untreated and visible pockets of inflammation go on to invade the connective tissue and bone along the gum line and your gums start receding. You may notice that your gums will probably be very sensitive to temperature changes and you may even experience some pain in your gums. If left untreated, your teeth will become loose and fall out.

Are You Proud Of Your Smile?

Dr. Boulos helps you take care of the teeth you were born with.  However, if you don't have a smile that you are proud of, he can help you get a new one. Today's dental cosmetic procedures are not just in Hollywood! They are at Dr. Boulos's office and you are no longer stuck with a bad smile.  For more information go to http://www.boulosdentalcare.com/