Dr. Olson recommends that you visit our office at least twice a year for a routine dental exam and cleaning to help you prevent gum disease and other dental problems. Our goal is always prevention and to prevent the onset, progress and recurrence of dental disease. This includes regular dental exams, cleanings and x-rays. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy and beautiful smile.
As part of your dental exam, digital x-rays are required. Radiographs are a vital component of the dental exam and diagnosis and are needed to give Dr. Olson a full picture of your teeth and supporting structures. Digital x-rays are very low in radiation.
During your dental cleaning, all the tartar and plaque is removed from your teeth. This is vital is to maintaining healthy gums and preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a degenerative condition primarily caused by bacteria found in plaque. The bacteria inflame and infect the gum tissues, and when left untreated, can eventually cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Untreated periodontal disease can result in bone loss, tooth loss, and gum tissue recession.
If your gums are swollen, red, or tender, or if your gums bleed easily, you may have periodontal disease. Other common symptoms of gum disease include loose teeth, painful chewing, persistent bad breath, and receding gums that make your teeth appear longer than normal. Following an exam at our office, our dentist and team will be able to determine whether you suffer from periodontal disease.
An oral cancer screening is part of every dental exam. Dr. Olson feels for any lumps, bumps and irregular tissue changes in your neck, cheeks, lips and tongue. A visual inspection is also done of all soft tissues, looking for any sores, discolorations or soft tissue changes. If Dr. Olson finds anything of concern, she will recommend a biopsy of the area.