Routine Exam and X-Rays

Routine Dental Exams

Come to Heyday Dental regularly to save as much as possible on dental care! No matter how good you think your daily brushing is, you still need to see a dentist at least twice a year to rule out signs of cavities or gum disease. During your routine exam, we will check all the teeth, gum, tongue, palate, and cheeks. If your dentist has some concerns about your teeth or even your general health, she’ll customize a treatment plan for you, or refer you to a dental or medical specialist. It is always good to get help early.

Digital X-Rays

We provide digital radiography which is the latest technology used to take dental X-rays. Digital X-rays are safer and more convenient to take. The radiation dosage of digital films is significantly low that it is comparable to the natural radiation in our environment. Although digital X-rays are considered very safe, we will still use safety protections when taking the films. The images can be instantly viewed by the dentist and you to reduce your time in our office. Some common types of X-rays we take in our office:

- Bitewing X-rays – It is used to look at one specific area of your mouth
- Periapical X-rays – It shows everything from the crown (chewing surface) to the root (below the gum line).
- Full Mouth X-rays – A full mouth x-ray is composed of a series of individual images, including a combination of bitewing and periapical.
- Panoramic X-rays – Panoramic x-rays, just like panoramic photos, are used to take images of your entire mouth area.

FAQ

How often should I visit my dentist?

Dental professions recommend both kids and adults having a cleaning and checkup every six months. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, your dentist may recommend you visit more often than that.

What do dentists do at a dental exam?

During a dental exam, the dentist or hygienist will check your teeth for cavities and gum disease. The exam also includes evaluating your risk of developing other oral problems and abnormalities, such as TMD and oral cancer.

What happens if I don’t go to the dentist?

Patients who neglect proper dental care by not regularly seeing a dentist, risk getting tooth and gum disease. By the time you feel pain or swelling, your teeth may not be savable or need expensive treatment to get fixed.

Why are dental X-rays necessary?

X-rays allow your dentist to look past the soft tissue in your mouth, such as your gums, and into the deeper areas of your teeth and jaw bone that are invisible during a visual exam. It’s also difficult to see the area in between your teeth without X-rays.

Can I refuse dental X-rays?

A patient always has the choice of whether to proceed with any recommended treatment. But your dentist cannot provide care for you based on an incomplete diagnosis without risking liability for failure to diagnose or treat existing conditions. Thus X-rays are recommended when necessary.

Can I take dental X-rays during pregnancy?

If your condition requires X-rays to help make a diagnosis or guide treatment, yes, they may be necessary. The radiation exposure of dental X-rays to the fetus is quite small. If you may be pregnant, tell your dentist so additional precautions may be taken if necessary.