Regular dental exams at Northalsted Dental Spa are your first line of defense against oral health issues.
During a comprehensive exam, our experienced team will thoroughly assess your dental health. We examine your teeth, gums, jaw bone, and surrounding tissues to spot signs of cavities, periodontal disease, and more. Combined with professional teeth cleanings to remove plaque buildup, these regular visits help prevent the need for costly dental procedures and keep your smile healthy.
Don’t wait until you have a toothache or swollen gums to visit the dentist. If you’re searching for “dental exams near me” in Chicago, IL, schedule an appointment with us today. Our team will help you achieve optimal oral health through preventive dentistry.
Benefits of Dental Exams
Regular dental exams offer far more than just a clean, beautiful smile. We already know these essential check-ups help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. They also save you from more invasive, expensive procedures by allowing your dentist to find minor issues before they turn into painful problems.
Another benefit of dental check-ups is your dentist can spot signs of serious health conditions, like oral cancer. Exams also allow us to assess your bite alignment, jaw bone health, and check on existing dental work to make sure everything is in good condition.
By investing in routine dental exams, you’re not just protecting your smile, you’re investing in your overall well-being.
What Does a Dental Exam Consist Of?
Understanding what occurs during a comprehensive oral exam can help you feel comfortable before and during the process. We take pride in ensuring all of our patients are comfortable throughout their appointments.
An exam includes the following:
- Medical History Overview: We discuss your dental health history and current medications or dietary habits that may affect your oral health.
- Oral Hygiene Assessment: We assess your current oral hygiene routine and identify any potential risks for tooth decay, damage, or gum disease.
- Cavity Detection: We thoroughly examine each tooth for signs of decay or damage.
- Bite and Jaw Assessment: We check your bite alignment and jaw to ensure proper oral function.
- Digital X-rays: We take dental X-rays to detect issues not visible to the naked eye. We will usually only take X-rays once a year unless there is a specific issue we need to look at.
- Restoration Check: We inspect all existing dental work, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and any removable appliances.
- Oral Cancer Screening: We perform a thorough examination of oral tissues to check for any concerning changes.
- Personal Consultation: We discuss our findings with you, address any concerns you have, and create a custom treatment plan.
- Teeth Cleaning: We perform a dental cleaning to remove plaque buildup on and between teeth and below the gumline. We finish with a polish that leaves your teeth white and shiny.
How Long Does a Dental Check-Up Take?
A routine dental exam and cleaning usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes. For new patients, the first visit may take a bit longer— around 60 to 90 minutes. This is because we thoroughly review your dental history and take initial X-rays to establish your baseline oral health.
If you’re visiting for a basic check-up without a cleaning, the appointment might take just 30 minutes. However, if we discover any issues that need immediate attention, the appointment could take longer. We do our best to provide thorough care while respecting your time. During scheduling, our friendly staff can give you a more precise estimate based on the services you need.
Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today
At Northalsted Dental Spa, we understand that every smile is unique. Dr. Griffin and his team create personalized care plans that address specific patient needs. We take pride in helping our clients build positive attitudes around dental care, making each visit comfortable and stress-free.
If you’re searching for “dental check up near me” in Chicago, join our family of satisfied patients who trust us with their oral health. A lifetime of healthy smiles begins with one simple appointment.
At Northalsted Dental Spa, we want to give you all the tools and information you need to keep your teeth and gums in great shape. Call us at (773) 296-0325 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. From preventive exams to restorative dentistry, you can rely on our dental professionals for superior care.
