Dental Examinations and Consultations in Bedford, TX

A dental exam is perhaps the best thing that you can do for your overall oral health. The annual examination allows Bedford, TX cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Staffel, to check for any problems and help prevent further damage. The exam checks the health of the teeth, gums, and jaw through the use of a visual exam, digital X-rays, the laser decay detector, the diode laser, and an intra-oral camera. At this time, Dr. Staffel can also conduct an oral cancer exam. If any concerns are visible, Dr. Staffel can begin to customize a treatment plan to improve a patient’s oral health.

Prior to the dental exam, the dentist and patient will discuss the patient's recent health, including any current medications, illnesses, and surgeries. The dentist will also ask the patient about any areas of concern involving oral health. The dentist will first take digital X-rays to get a detailed assessment of the teeth, gums, and bones. Next, the dentist will perform a visual check of the mouth and then touch various areas for signs of oral cancer, decay, and disease. The dentist will also utilize probing tools to check the health of the gums by measuring the depth of the gum pockets and look for any areas of inflammation.

If the dentist detects any areas of concern during the examination, he or she will discuss with the patient about possible preventative measures that may be performed at the office or at home. These can include different at-home techniques, such as the use of special toothpaste or mouthwash. For serious issues, the dentist can go over all available options and begin to customize a treatment plan. The dentist will let the patient know when they should schedule their next dental exam to check on their progress. Patients should keep in mind that further testing may be needed or a referral to a specialist might be necessary.

While the cost for an annual dental examination varies among dental practices, patients should expect it to cost between $100 – $300. If you have insurance, our front office staff can consult with your carrier prior to the exam since many companies cover this treatment up to 100%. Patients paying out-of-pocket may discuss payment options during their consultation.

Scheduling and attending your annual dental examination is critical in keeping your entire mouth healthy and looking good. The dental exam will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw in order to determine if there are any issues. With regular dental exams, your dentist can notice subtle changes that can provide faster, more effective treatments, if problems do arise. A few minutes in the dentist's chair for an annual dental exam can save you hours of time and discomfort in the future with extensive procedures and prolonged recovery time.