Learning More About Dental Exams at Valde Julie Ann DDS
Hi, my name is Dr. Julie Anne Valde, and I work at Julie Ann Valde DDS in Newbury Park. I get a lot of questions about dental exams, so I want to clear up some of those questions. Here we go!
What is the difference between a dental exam and a cleaning?
There is a difference between a dental exam and a cleaning. A dental exam is when I come in and take a look at your teeth and X-rays. I want to see if there's anything wrong, such as cavities, gum problems, or swellings. I look at the X-rays to see if there are any root anomalies or infections. It's a very thorough exam. I also look at the way your teeth are aligned and how you bite, and I can also check for cancer. A dental exam is very important because I examine the whole mouth, the teeth, and your medical and dental history. It's a thorough exam. On the other hand, a cleaning is usually done by a hygienist. My hygienist will clean the teeth, using instruments gently, and she'll take a look at your gums as well. It's important to have that cleaning, and it's important to do it every few months. That is basically the difference between a thorough dental exam, where you see me and I evaluate your mouth and make recommendations, and a cleaning, where the hygienist cleans your teeth and makes sure everything is spotless and clean.
How long does a full dental exam take?
A full dental exam in my office can take up to an hour. For a new patient, we bring you in, take X-rays, photos, and a 3D scan. From all of that diagnostic data, I can review it and then look clinically. It does take time because I want to be thorough and not rush things, especially for a new patient. Also, for a new patient, it's a good opportunity to get to know you and ask questions. It's a valuable hour of taking care of you and making sure everything is healthy.
How often should you have a dental exam and cleaning?
People ask me how often they should have a cleaning or exam. A lot of the time, people ask because their insurance dictates the frequency. The dental profession disagrees with that. Some insurance says, "Oh, you only need one exam a year or two cleanings a year." That is not enough to keep you healthy. I recommend having cleanings every four months and an exam every two months. The reason is that after leaving my office, you start doing your regular activities, eating, brushing, and flossing. Often, stuff can get stuck that you can't clean out. Accumulating within four months is enough to come back. Otherwise, more than four months can start to cause gingivitis, where your gums start to bleed, itch, or throb. The four-month deadline is pretty good. As for exams, within six months, a lot can happen. If you only do an exam once a year, a lot can happen, too. We want to make sure you're healthy. We try to do two exams a year and three cleanings a year. We'll work with you and your insurance because we value it so much.
How can a dentist tell if I have cavities?
A dentist can tell if you have cavities by looking at your X-rays, taking a scan, and looking into your mouth. We look for brown areas in your teeth, as that's not the right color for your teeth, and for holes. X-rays can show cavities. I usually look at the X-ray and then verify it in the mouth to ensure I've diagnosed the cavity well. 3D scans are very popular, and I have one in my office. They also have a cavity detector mode, which is another way of confirming if you have a cavity.
Do dentists fill cavities on the first visit?
To fill a cavity, I usually don't do it on the first visit. People ask, "Can I fill it that day?" I'd love to do that, except sometimes there's not enough time. Filling a cavity requires numbing, and cavities take time. I want to do a proper job and not rush. Usually, I schedule a time set for you to do a thorough job of filling the cavity. Sometimes you may be able to get a filling on the first appointment, but sometimes not. It depends on the schedule. We want to treat you well and not rush. If you're in total pain with a cavity, we can provide emergency services.
How will a dentist know if I need a root canal?
How will a dentist know if you need a root canal? Usually, I bring you in, do a clinical exam, take X-rays, and perform testing. The clinical exam assesses the size of the issue, and the X-rays show the size as well. I perform tests on bleeding in the area, check for any swellings or pus, which indicate the need for a root canal. All the diagnostic information I gather helps me recommend if you need a root canal.
Are dental exams painful?
Are dental exams painful? Hopefully not. For an exam, I take X-rays, which can be uncomfortable for some patients. I have digital X-rays, so the sensor is smaller than a typical X-ray, and the edges aren't as sharp. We try to make you as comfortable as possible, knowing how to position you. We don't rush anything. We also examine the gums and do some probings, which are measurements below the gums to check for inflammation or gingivitis. That could be slightly uncomfortable, but we can use topical anesthetics to ease discomfort. Checking for bony overgrowths can make certain procedures uncomfortable, but we aim to be thorough and take our time. The hour is set aside for extra time if needed to ensure your comfort.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for a dental exam?
Is there anything to do to prepare for a dental exam? Usually not. Try to relax; it's not a scary thing. Remember, this is for your health. You don't need to do anything extraordinary. Come in nice and clean, and we can work with you.
How can I schedule an appointment for a dental exam?
To schedule an appointment for a dental exam, call our office at(805) 554-0018, and either Michelle or Jamie will take care of you. I hope to see you soon.