ankeny dental exam

Dental Exams Help Smiles Of All Ages

We offer dental exams as part of our approach to preventive and general dentistry. The dental checkup is beneficial for kids and adults alike, and we recommend one every six months. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we protect smiles with our dental checkups.

Checkups for Kids and Adults

We want to offer an exam for patients of all ages! For children, the first checkup should occur at around age one, once the first baby tooth has erupted. This is a simple knee-to-knee lap exam. Starting at around age two, kids need to see our team for a routine checkup and cleaning, just like adults require. Our team can examine the smile for signs of trouble and offer solutions for the problems we uncover. For kids, this can help instill good oral health habits. Kids are also less likely to experience dental anxiety, and may continue to care for their smiles on their own in adulthood.

Digital X-Rays and Intraoral X-Rays

We want to obtain a diagnosis with precision and accuracy. Instead of traditional x-rays, we use a digital alternative that doesn’t require bitewings and uses 90% less radiation. The images are instantly transferred to a chairside monitor, so no need to wait for a lengthy development period. With these images, we can obtain a clear picture of your current oral health, and watch for issues like tooth decay, dental infection, TMJ disorder, bruxism, and even gingivitis and gum disease. We also screen for oral cancer. Treating and managing these issues early helps protect your smile from discomfort and the risk of tooth loss!

What Happens Next?

Following your dental exam portion, we will clean your teeth thoroughly to remove all plaque and tartar, which helps lower the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and periodontal concerns. If we discover issues that need treatment, we can plan treatment to return your smile to full function, health, and beauty, often in as little as one to two visits. If you have any questions about how our team will safeguard smiles of all ages with a routine checkup and cleaning every six months, or if you would like to schedule your next 2025 visit, then contact our team today!

Dental Impressions Talk About Our Dental Checkups

Our team wants to help protect your smile with a dental appointment every six months, so you can enjoy a bright and beautiful smile, one free of discomfort! To find out more about how we exam and clean smiles of all ages, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230. With routine visits, we can help you and your family maintain your best smiles.