Exams in Reston, VA
Keep your teeth and gums healthy with a checkup at Reston Family Smiles.
When was the last time you visited a dentist for a full dental exam? If it’s been too long, but you’re afraid or embarrassed for whatever reason, then it’s time to rethink the importance of your oral health and the impact it has on your overall health. Undetected dental issues can turn into serious health problems that can end up costing more time, money, and stress.
Dental visits are far from scary at Reston Family Smiles. Our teamLearn more about our team makes sure you’re comfortable from the moment you walk into our office, where we’ll gently clean and examine your teeth, mouth, and gums.
Regular dental exams can help prevent:
Your overall health depends on your oral health, which is why exams and oral cancer screenings at the dentist are such a big deal.
Maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with frequent exams, or correct existing issues.
Prevention and early detection are keys to the health and longevity of your teeth and gums.
Your oral health affects so many other parts of your body.
A happy, healthy smile starts with well-maintained teeth and gums. In addition to taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing at home, we recommend a dental exam every six months.
A dental exam with Reston Family SmilesLearn more about our dentistry in Reston, VA is a stress-free process:
- Step 1
If it’s your first time visiting our office, schedule a dental exam appointment, and we’ll discuss payment options over the phone. We accept many types of dental insurance plans.
- Step 2
Come in for your appointment and meet our friendly and inviting staff. Our dental hygienist will first clean your teeth by removing any buildup on and in between teeth, then brush and floss. You can also ask questions and get tips on the best ways to maintain your oral health.
- Step 3
We’ll safely and quickly complete an x-ray if needed. Once complete, the dentist will review the x-ray, examine your teeth, gums and bite, and conduct an oral cancer screening by gently checking and feeling under the jaw, checking inside the lips, the tongue and sides, as well as the floor and roof of the mouth.
Once your dental exam is complete, the dentist will provide tips for maintaining oral health or recommended steps to prevent and treat issues such as cavities, gum disease, or cosmetics.
Sit back and relax; we’re a judgment-free zone and are here to answer any questions that you may have. Prevention and early detection are crucial to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile.
- What does a dental exam include?
A dental exam consists of examining your mouth, including the teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and neck. After thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums and completing x-rays, the dentist performs an exam by looking at your x-rays and mouth. Our goal is to make sure you’re staying healthy and maintaining your oral health long-term.
Besides making sure you’re brushing and flossing correctly, our dentist checks for existing tooth decay issues, gum disease, potential bone loss in the teeth, and jaw and bite alignment. If you have any cavities or crowns, we check to make sure they don’t need to be fixed or replaced.
Our dentist in Reston, VA also performs an oral cancer screening at each exam because early detection is vital to your long-term health.
The dental exam is a pain-free process, and preventive health care can stop problems before they arise or worsen. After the exam, we’ll discuss anything of concern and the next steps. Feel free to ask any questions about your teeth and gums; we’re here to help.
- How long do dental exams take?
A dental checkup can take up to an hour for our dental hygienist and dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth and check your teeth and gums’ health. Each patient is different, so the exact time it takes to complete an exam varies from patient to patient.
- Does a dental exam hurt?
Dental exams do not hurt. Our team at Reston Family Smiles in Reston, VA is here to make you feel comfortable from start to finish.
If you have dental anxiety and are afraid of going to the dentist, please let us know, and we’ll take extra steps to ease your dental fear and stress. Maybe you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, but please don’t worry about starting your visits up again. We don’t judge anyone and are happy to help you maintain a healthy smile (even if that means you’re a little late with your visit).
- What do dentists do on a first visit?
On a first visit, our dentist completes a dental exam consisting of checking your teeth and gums, x-rays, and performing an oral cancer screening.
Before the exam, our dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth by removing plaque buildup and then brushing and flossing your teeth.
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions at your first exam. If there’s anything on your mind regarding your oral health, please let us know.
- Is it bad not to go to the dentist?
Yes, it’s bad to avoid the dentist.
Your oral health affects your overall health, so it’s important to schedule regular dentist visits. Neglecting to see a dentist for an exam puts you at risk for tooth and gum disease, including cavities and gingivitis. Undetected tooth and gum damage may be irreversible and may end up costing you more to fix in the long run.
Dentists also complete cancer screenings of the mouth. By doing so, cancer can be detected early, which is vital to a successful treatment. Additionally, problems in the mouth can affect other parts of your body. A few examples of related diseases include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Even if you no longer have natural teeth, it’s important to see a dentist who can check for other dental issues in your mouth. A healthy mouth is important for a healthy, happy body.
Stay healthy by scheduling a dental exam with Reston Family Smiles in Reston, VA.
