Common Symptoms Which Can Be Spotted During a Dental Examination

Regularly seeing your dentist for routine examinations and dental cleanings goes a long way toward ensuring good oral health. When you visit Dr. Palka at Lake Chaparral Dental Care in Calgary, Alberta, you will benefit from much more than just a cleaning, polishing, and flossing. A thorough dental examination will be performed, allowing our team to detect any red flags which indicate necessary dental treatment. Here are a few things Dr. Palka will look for during an oral examination.

Dental Decay

One of the most common issues found during an examination is tooth decay. A cavity may appear as a brown or discoloured spot on your tooth’s surface or be very small and tucked away between teeth. These visually elusive cavities can be detected via dental X-rays. When decay is spotted, it will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and a dental filling will be put in place.

Gum Disease

When allowed to progress, untreated gum disease can lead to serious dental complications, including tooth loss. When Dr. Palka performs an oral examination, signs of gum disease will be monitored. Early gum disease, or gingivitis, can present itself through tender or bleeding gums. More advanced periodontal disease may lead to recessed gums or large pockets at the base of the teeth. For early gum disease, treatment may just be recommendations for better at-home oral hygiene, while more advanced stages of gum disease may require more invasive treatment.

Oral Cancer Screening

One part of your oral examination will be an oral cancer screening. Dr. Palka will examine your entire oral cavity – including the lips, tongue, and cheeks – for any noticeable lumps or lesions. Oral cancer can present itself via white patches in the mouth, small lumps, or sores which do not heal. While other conditions could cause these symptoms, it is crucial for our team to be able to review any changes in your mouth to find underlying causes for these symptoms.

If you are seeking a dentist nearby Chaparral, Walden and Legacy, Calgary AB for a dental examination and cleaning, please visit Lake Chaparral Dental Care today. For an appointment, please call (403) 768-2271.