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A dentist office in Langley is the most important place to receive good dental care. Although what you do at home is a good start to preventing oral health problems, the dental office can reinforce your efforts. The dentist and his staff of assistants and hygienists work diligently to prevent and control the things that make your teeth unhealthy. This is a guide to protecting your mouth. The Radiograph Radiographs are diagnostic pictures that reveal the insides of your mouth structures. It includes the teeth, neck, jaws and facial bones. Without radiographs, the dentist could not see the blood vessels, nerves and other internal tissues of your teeth and bones. You generally take a full set of radiographs, also known as x-rays, whenever you visit a new dentist office in Langley. However, you can always transfer recent (less than a year) radiographs to your provider. The office may use two methods for obtaining radiographs: the traditional x-ray and the digital x-ray. Traditional x-rays use several types of machines to take oral pictures, including the wall-mounted version. This machine requires the use of small films that you place inside your mouth. The film comes in different types, functions and features. This makes it easy to take images of specific areas of your mouth. For example, a periapical x-ray may require film that fits over the entire tooth structure. It shows a precise image of a tooth from tip to root. Digital radiographs are the most updated versions of x-ray technology. This method does not require different sizes or types of film. The dentist uses sensors to obtain the information he needs. The sensors transmit every structure it comes in contact with to a computer. The computer displays the images on screen, and allows the provider to examine them right in the treatment room. He does not have to wait until an assistant takes and develops the images. Additionally, you do not need to return to the waiting room until she does. The Exam The exam is the second thing your dentist office in Langley does during your visit. If you did not require x-rays, it may be the first. In any case, the exam tells your provider how your teeth and gums look on the outside. He can visibly see dark areas that may indicate tooth decay, as well as red, swollen tissue that may point to gum disease. Both oral problems may lead to losing teeth. The dentist often uses a probe and mouth mirror during most of the exam. The probe resembles a small pick that has a curved end and tip. The tip may be dull or sharp, depending on the type used by your provider. The mouth mirror is a very small handheld device that can reach areas in the back of your mouth. It helps direct the dentist as he examines you. He can also see hidden areas of plaque you may miss when you brush or floss your teeth. Another area of the oral exam is the cancer screening. The dentist office in Langley may use oral cancer screenings to protect you from tumors and other conditions. The x-ray pictures can help the dentist do this as well. They show him suspicious areas that may not be just tooth decay or gum disease. Oral cancer can spread to other tissues of the mouth, head, neck and body. Screenings may be completed along with every exam. It does not mean that your provider thinks you have oral cancer. He only screens you to make sure you are not at risk for it. As with any type of cancer, early detection is the best way to treat it.
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