Dental Exam in Rogers, AR

If you want to stay healthy, you should try to avoid dental issues by getting them diagnosed before they develop into more serious conditions. Many of these problems can be identified during a dental exam at All About Smiles in Rogers, AR with Dr. Brett Cotham. While your mouth is typically checked during your bi-annual cleaning, a dental exam consists of a more thorough analysis. Dental examinations at All About Smiles assess your overall oral health by looking for signs of oral cancer, tooth decay, and other diseases. Dr. Cotham will determine your need for procedures and look for problems with your bite and jaw. Digital images will be used for a better view of the hidden problems in your teeth, jaw, and gums. Make an appointment for a dental exam for yourself and your family at All About Smiles today. 

Oral cancer is an abnormal group of cells in the mouth, including the jawbone, lips, gums, throat, salivary glands, and tongue. Each dental examination at All About Smiles will include a thorough screening for oral cancer to check for any symptoms, including inflammation, sores, lesions, and lumps. Dr. Cotham will also feel your neck and jaw for abnormal growths. Should any areas of concern be discovered, All About Smiles can perform a biopsy or recommend care from a specialist.

Rogers, AR residents of every age should get a dental exam every year. Some of the most common conditions, such as periodontal disease (the top reason for tooth loss), do not have signs you can see. If concerns are noticed early, you are more likely to have more treatment options.

The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that children visit a dentist before they turn one year old. Dr. Cotham can talk about common issues, such as using pacifiers, teething, and baby bottle tooth decay. All About Smiles can teach you how to clean and take care of your baby's oral health so they develop good habits early in life. Dental examinations are also crucial for older children as their teeth, gums, and jaw develop.

Your dental exam will begin with an initial assessment of your tongue, gums, teeth, throat, the roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, and other checkpoints. This includes checking for symptoms of oral cancer. A member of our team may take digital x-rays and check for abnormal gum tissue. We will also evaluate your neck, head, and jaw, including the bite and temporomandibular joints (TMJ), then discuss any concerns and treatment options. Dr. Cotham will go over any other conditions you may have, prescriptions you are taking, and if they might affect your dental health by causing tooth decay or dry mouth. Lastly, All About Smiles will check any restorations you have, such as bridges and dentures, to assess the wear and fit.

All About Smiles will schedule a follow-up appointment based on the results of your exam. If Dr. Cotham does not find any issues, then we will recommend a routine you can follow at home, including brushing and flossing every day, plus yearly dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings. If we do find a concern that needs to be treated, our friendly and dedicated team will review our next steps with you together. 

Since a dental exam is crucial to your dental health, it's usually covered by insurance. We can talk to your insurance company to understand your coverage and any personal expenses. If you don't have insurance, All About Smiles takes several payments, including medical financing. We work with you to help you afford excellent dental health.

For great oral health, you can't just go to the dentist only when something is wrong. You have to be proactive with preventive care. This may save your teeth and gums, plus a lot of time and money down the line. We suggest visiting All About Smiles annually for a dental exam. This can help you minimize problems by catching them in the early stages. We work hard to make dental examinations a pleasant experience for you so you'll enjoy coming back. Contact our team in Rogers, AR to schedule your exam.