Comprehensive Dental Exams in Farmington, UT

To preserve the health of your teeth and gums, it's important to have dental issues diagnosed before more significant issues can arise, many of which can be identified during a routine dental examination. Even though your whole mouth is inspected and cleaned during a biannual prophylaxis (cleaning) treatment, a full dental exam helps our team gain a more comprehensive view of your oral structures. At Oakridge Dental, our team performs thorough dental examinations for you and everyone in your family. These exams evaluate your oral health, as well as your overall health by monitoring for tooth decay, signs of oral cancer, and other diseases.

Board-certified dentist Dr. Brian Call will assess your need for treatments and check your bite and jaw for any underlying issues. Digital x-rays will also be taken for an all-encompassing view of the internal structures of your mouth. If you live near Farmington, UT, schedule your appointment for a full dental exam with our team at Oakridge Dental. We see patients from all over Davis County and the neighboring cities of Ogden and Salt Lake City, UT.

Oral cancer is characterized as an abnormal growth of cells that develops in the mouth. These growths can form on the jawbone, gums, lips, tongue, throat, and salivary glands. Every dental examination performed at Oakridge Dental includes a screening for oral cancer. During this screening, Dr. Call will check for any signs of cancer, such as inflammation, lumps, lesions, and sores. He will also feel your neck and jaw for any abnormalities. If we observe any causes for concern, a tissue biopsy may be taken, or we will refer you to a specialist.

Individuals of every age should receive a thorough dental exam once each year. Some of the most common and most damaging oral conditions, like gum disease (the primary cause of tooth loss among patients), do not always have signs we can see. When issues are caught early, people are often afforded more opportunities for treatment and management.

The American Dental Association (ADA) asserts that all children should visit the dentist before they turn one year old. Dr. Call can go over the most common infant dental issues, including teething, baby bottle tooth decay, and those caused by pacifier use. Our team at Oakridge Dental can teach you ways to care for and clean your baby's mouth. Practicing proper oral care as early as possible can instill good habits later in life. Dental exams are also crucial for children as they age and their mouth develops.

Your dental examination will begin with an initial assessment of your teeth, gums, tongue, throat, the roof of your mouth, inside your cheeks, and other checkpoints. During this assessment, we will also look for signs of oral cancer. Dr. Call or a member of his team may take x-rays and screen for abnormal tissue in the gums. Dr. Call will then evaluate your head, neck, and jaw, including your bite and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). After this, he will go over anything found and your treatment options. Dr. Call will discuss any other problems you have, prescriptions and supplements you may be taking, and whether they might be impacting your dental health by causing tooth decay or dry mouth. Lastly, he will examine any prosthetics you have, such as bridges and dentures, to assess the wear and fit.

The right time to schedule your next appointment will depend on the results of your exam. If no issues are identified, your only follow-up will be to follow a regular and consistent dental health regimen that includes brushing and flossing twice a day. You should also continue to attend annual dental examinations and biannual professional cleanings at Oakridge Dental. If Dr. Call does find a concern that requires treatment, options will be discussed and planned.

Achieving excellent oral health involves more effort than just going to the dentist when something is obviously wrong. Seeking preventive care is vital to your overall wellness. Taking the necessary steps and precautions to keep your mouth healthy can save you from future problems and expenses down the line. We encourage our patients to attend dental examinations once a year to give our team the opportunity to diagnose any underlying concerns that could be affecting the state of your mouth. If you live in or near Farmington, UT, schedule your comprehensive dental examination today at Oakridge Dental. Dr. Call and his team look forward to seeing you.