Regular dental examinations are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they escalate. During these appointments, your dentist thoroughly assesses your teeth, gums, and overall oral cavity, allowing them to detect any issues early on and provide timely intervention. At Neeley Dental, our experienced Beaver dentists, Dr. Steven Neeley and Dr. Michael Litchfield, offer thorough dental examinations to keep your smile in top shape. Here are five critical parts they focus on during your visit: Medical History Review  Before any examination or treatment, your dentist will review your complete medical history. This review includes any medications you’re taking, existing conditions, past surgeries, allergies, and other factors that could impact your dental care. Don’t be surprised if they ask about seemingly unrelated issues. Many medical conditions have oral manifestations or side effects that affect dental health. Dr. Neeley or Dr. Litchfield also needs to know about any recent illnesses, hospitalizations, or changes to your health status since your last visit. Open communication with your dental team ensures you get the safest, most appropriate care for your needs. Oral Cancer Screening Oral cancer is one of the most curable cancers when detected and treated early. That’s why every comprehensive dental exam at Neeley Dental includes a professional oral cancer screening. Dr. Neeley or Dr. Litchfield will visually inspect all areas of your mouth, tongue, throat, and tonsils. They’ll feel your jaw and neck for any unusual lumps or swellings. They may also use the VELscope oral screening system to highlight abnormalities not visible to the naked eye. If they find any suspicious areas, your dentist can biopsy the tissue or refer you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation and diagnosis. Catching oral cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages could save your life. Gum Disease Evaluation  It’s estimated that nearly half of American adults have some form of gum (periodontal) disease. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and put you at higher risk for other serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. During your examination, your dentist and hygienist at Neeley Dental will thoroughly evaluate your gums. They’ll look for inflammation, bleeding, pockets, and gum recession around your teeth. They may also measure pocket depths to check for more advanced periodontal disease. Early detection allows prompt treatment to control gum disease before it progresses and causes significant damage. Your dentist may recommend frequent cleanings or procedures to restore oral health. Tooth Decay Check  One of the primary reasons you visit the dentist is to check for any new areas of tooth decay or cavities that need to be filled or treated. Dr. Neeley and Dr. Litchfield have specialized tools and training to catch cavities when they are just small areas of tooth demineralization. In addition to a thorough visual and tactile examination, your dentist may also take diagnostic X-rays to detect cavities hidden between teeth or under existing fillings. Addressing cavities in this early, pre-cavitated stage is ideal to stop further decay and prevent the need for more extensive dental work. Overall Dental Evaluation Beyond checking for cavities and gum disease, Dr. Neeley or Dr. Litchfield evaluates every aspect of your oral health during your examination. This evaluation includes assessing: Based on these evaluations, Dr. Neeley or Dr. Litchfield can make personalized treatment recommendations to maintain or restore optimal oral health. Effective treatment planning depends on this comprehensive examination process. Don’t Neglect Your Dental Check-Ups  At Neeley Dental in Beaver, PA, Dr. Steven Neeley, Dr. Michael Litchfield, and their skilled team are dedicated to providing complete, high-quality dental examinations for patients in Beaver, PA, and the surrounding areas. We encourage patients of all ages to schedule regular check-ups and dental cleanings so we can catch any issues early before they become bigger, costlier problems. Top Beaver Dentist Your dental examination gives you the peace of mind of knowing exactly where your oral health stands. If we find any conditions, Dr. Neeley or Dr. Litchfield will take the time to explain each issue thoroughly and outline all your treatment options. Reach out to our dental office today to schedule your next examination!