Digital X-rays Exams, and Oral Cancer Screenings

At AV Dental Wellness Group, Dr. Sekhon and our team know just how vital oral health is for your overall well-being. That’s why we provide comprehensive dental exams, oral cancer screenings, and cutting-edge X-rays to support your optimal oral health. Our modern dental office in Lancaster, CA, is equipped with the latest technology to ensure you receive exceptional care.

Regular Dental Exams Are a Must

You probably realize how important regular dental check-ups are for maintaining a healthy smile. But do you know why? These check-ups clean your teeth and help catch hidden issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer early on. Early detection usually means easier treatment and can prevent bigger problems down the line!

Dental Exams in Lancaster, CA

At AV Dental Wellness Group, our aim is to make your dental examination comfortable and informative. Here’s what you can expect during a standard exam:

1. Dental History Review: Dr. Sekhon will begin by discussing your dental and medical history, medications, and any concerns you might have.
2. Complete Cleaning: Our dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t reach.
3. Full Mouth Exam: Our skilled dentist will then examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of decay, disease, or other issues to ensure excellent oral health.
4. X-rays: Depending on your needs, we might take digital X-rays to examine your teeth and jawbone more closely. This helps us uncover hidden issues that may not be immediately visible.
5. Customized Treatment Plan: After reviewing your exam results, our expert dentist will discuss any necessary treatments and develop a personalized plan to maintain or improve your oral health.
6. Preventive Guidance: We’ll also provide helpful tips for taking care of your teeth and gums at home. This includes advice on diet, brushing and flossing techniques, and choosing the best dental products.

What to Expect During a Comprehensive Dental Exam

If it’s your first appointment with our Lancaster dentist or you’re due for a comprehensive examination, the visit will usually take a bit longer than a typical six-month checkup. As we meticulously evaluate each aspect of your smile and health, you can expect us to review the following:

Health History

From medications you take to recent hospitalizations or treatments, it’s important for our dentist to be aware of any co-existing medical concerns. Please let us know of any new diagnosis you have received or risk factors, such as family medical conditions that may be genetic. We encourage you to bring a list of any prescriptions or supplements that you’re taking, as well as the contact information for your current medical providers.

What most people don’t realize is that there is a close oral-systemic connection between the health of your smile and your overall body. Conditions like periodontal disease can place you at a much higher risk of heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, diabetes, and even infertility (in both men and women.) By improving your oral health, you’ll also get to enjoy the benefits of better overall wellness.

Dental Charting

From re-charting each of your existing restorations to measuring attachment levels around every tooth, we’ll have a new baseline measurement to screen for gum (periodontal) disease, tooth decay, and even TMJ function.

We will also evaluate each of your existing dental restorations for their integrity and performance. Since some restorations only last 5-10 years, a thorough examination is needed to prevent unnecessary complications or emergencies.

Updated Dental X-rays

A full mouth series (FMX) or panoramic X-ray is usually taken at every comprehensive dental exam. These images allow us to better assess your entire oral anatomy as opposed to just screening between back teeth for cavities. Since issues such as cysts, tumors, bone loss, and impacted wisdom teeth cannot be seen on traditional dental X-rays, these full-mouth images are extremely important. For patients scheduling a six-month checkup, we will usually arrange to take bitewing X-rays at every other visit.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Abnormal and precancerous oral tissues can be practically impossible to self-diagnose, especially in the earliest stages, where they can be successfully treated. Sores that don’t heal, abnormal tissue colors, or lumps may all indicate oral cancer. This dangerous disease is best treated when caught early. Risk factors include things like sun exposure, HPV, alcohol, and tobacco use. However, healthy individuals have also been known to develop oral cancer, which is why routine screenings are lifesaving. 

Occlusion and TMJ Function

Each of your teeth and jaws is shaped to fit together in a certain manner. If they don’t close correctly, it can lead to issues like jaw pain, TMJ disorder, broken dental work, and abnormal tooth wear. We will assess your bite alignment to determine if any interceptive therapy is needed, such as braces or clear aligners.

Issues like bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and clenching) can also be intercepted with oral appliance therapy to prevent broken or worn teeth. We will also check to see how you swallow, as tongue movements may affect tooth alignment. Other warning signs, such as those associated with sleep apnea, will also be noted.

Treatment Planning or Referrals

Based on the findings during your dental exam, our Lancaster dentist will discuss our recommendations with you regarding any therapies or treatments that may be needed. If referrals to a separate specialty office are required, we will also provide contact information and communicate with those practices to ensure consistent care during the referral process.

Cost of Dental Exams

The fee for dental exams varies depending on the type of oral exam you need. Most dental evaluations are covered under your dental insurance policy if you carry one. The modest fee for a dental exam can help you reduce the price of dental treatment in the future when issues are identified as early as possible. Be sure to ask AV Dental Wellness Group about our current special offers on dental exams and X-rays, as we want to assist our patients with affordable care (especially when they do not carry dental insurance.)

Our Patient Commitment

At AV Dental Wellness Group, we’re dedicated to transparency about your oral health. We take the time to walk you through our exam findings and treatment recommendations. Our goal is for you to feel confident and well-informed about your dental care, helping you make the best decisions for your smile.

Schedule Your Next Dental Exam Today

Don’t wait for a problem to arise before scheduling your next dental check-up! Regular visits help us catch any issues early and keep your smile healthy. How about giving AV Dental Wellness Group a call to book your appointment? Partner with your skilled dentist in Lancaster to ensure your smile stays healthy!

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On This Page

• Regular Dental Exams Are a Must
• Dental Exams in Lancaster, CA
• What to Expect During a Comprehensive Dental Exam
• Cost of Dental Exams
• Our Patient Commitment

Related Topics

• Dental Cleaning
• Preventative Dentistry

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Definition of common dental exams terminology

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Hear From Our Patients

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Helpful links: WebMD (Oral Checkup) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)