Do you also get anxious whenever your routine dental exam and check-up are near? Well, you are not alone. Most of us dread going to the dental clinic. The buzzing of instruments, the tensed aura, and fear of what will happen next elevates the anxiety level by many folds. But have you wondered if maybe most of the dental fear is in your mind and not-so-real. If you are unaware of the dental procedure, you will keep thinking about it negatively unless you learn about it. Moreover, you should never miss your dental appointment. Instead, overcome the fear to save yourself from any future dental problems. We can help you enjoy your trips to the dentist’s office and ensure perfect dental health. Yes, you have read that right. We have listed everything you need to know about what happens during a dental exam.

Dental exam – things you need to know A routine dental exam includes an in-depth check-up of your entire oral cavity to ensure that your oral health is in good condition. A dentist or a dental hygienist can perform the check-up. They will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and all the tissues present in your mouth, even your lips. If they find any troubling signs such as dental caries, bleeding gums, or any signs of ulcers, the dentist will brief you and start the treatment. If oral health problems are not treated on time, they can become painful and turn into serious, even life-threatening conditions such as oral cancer. We do not mean to scare you, but tell you about the importance of a regular dental check-up. During a routine exam, the dentist also educates patients about their oral health and oral hygiene maintenance.

What happens at the dental clinic? If you know what happens during a dental exam and routine check-up, you would probably never want to skip it. Here is what you need to know about the dental visit:

- Meet and greet: The casual chit-chat with the dentist alleviates most of the fear and dental anxiety. It helps the patient to relax in the dental chair.

- History: If you visit your dentist regularly, they would probably be aware of your medical and dental history. However, they would still ask you questions about your oral and overall health because many things can happen during the six months.

- Examination: The dentist performs a thorough clinical examination using hand instruments followed by a radiographic examination using dental x-rays. The procedure is painless and helps the dentist evaluate the visible and hidden oral structures.

- Briefing: If there is no problem detected, you are good to go. However, if you need a dental cleaning or a more invasive dental treatment, the dentist will brief you about it.

How often should you get a dental exam? As recommended by the ADA -American Dental Association- and by many dentists worldwide, it is important to get a dental exam done every six months. However, if you have any prevalent dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease or are undergoing a dental treatment such as dental braces, your dentist will call you for a dental check-up more often- every three months.

What questions should I ask the dentist? During the dental exam, you can ask the dentist anything related to your oral health. Here are some of the questions you should ask your dentist: - If you need dental scaling or cleaning - If you need teeth whitening - If you feel any sensitivity while eating hot and cold food – it is best to ask the dentist during the check-up - If your gums bleed during brushing or while you eat hard food, ask your dentist now - If you need any further dental treatment - The proper brushing technique - How often you should visit for the dental check-up

How long does a dental exam take? If there’s no waiting at the dentist and you require no dental treatment, the dental exam will last for 30 minutes or even less. However, if you need dental treatment or go for elective dental cleaning, the dental exam might take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Conclusion There is nothing to fear about your dental exam. Just relax and go with a happy face to your dentist – they only want to see your dental health and you in a happy and healthy condition.